Lynda Lee Santek (née Loomis), of Kalamazoo passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the age of 88. Lynda was born on March 21, 1938, in Kalamazoo and was the daughter of Louis and Virginia (McCook) Loomis. Lynda was raised in Kalamazoo and spent her life here.

Lynda’s early life in Kalamazoo was filled with close-knit friendships that lasted her lifetime. Her approachable nature and love for people naturally led to a lifetime of kindness. She helped others whenever possible. This was a trait she instilled in her children. Lynda built friendships with coworkers, neighbors, and acquaintances wherever she went. She will be missed by many people.

After graduating from Kalamazoo Central in 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Bill Holmes, with whom she had three children. After their marriage ended, Lynda married Joseph Santek. They enjoyed more than 39 years together building a life they loved. Lynda and Joe spent many years at the lake in South Haven, one of her favorite places. Their South Haven cottage was often filled with laughter and card games with many cherished friends and family.

Lynda spent the last years of her life with Charlie Cooper. Lynda and Charlie found love again after many years of friendship, they met in junior high school. Although her illness took many memories from her, Charlie made her smile every day. He was a source of peaceful strength during her last few months. Her family will be forever grateful for the love and kindness from Charlie and his daughters, Mary Frye and Cheryl Knight.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered in the hearts of all whose lives she touched.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph in 2015; her parents: Louis and Virginia Loomis; and sister: Judy Smith.

She is survived by her sister: Martha Gifford; her three children: Jody (Jerry) Sikkema; Scott Holmes; and Mark (Whitney) Holmes; five stepchildren: Richard Santek; Larry Santek; Carol Tiller; Pat Parker; and Joe Santek, Jr; her grandchildren: Jeremy (Megan) Sikkema; Molly (Dee) Howard; Maggie Sikkema; Jesse Holmes; Layne Holmes; her great grandchildren: Lucy Sikkema; Eloise Sikkema; and Joselynn Howard and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Lynda’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family.

Lynda has been cremated and no services are planned at this time.

The family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.