Maralyn A. Slikkers

Maralyn Ann Slikkers passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Saugatuck, Michigan. She brought joy to those who knew her. Her memory will be cherished always by family and friends who shared in her remarkable journey through life. Maralyn passed at home after a two week stay at Holland Hospital. Her wish was to go home and we accommodated that desire. She had nine beautiful days in the place that she loved, surrounded by friends and family. She left this world the same way she lived her life: with quiet courage, a stoic resolve, a sly sense of humor and a peacefulness that never wavered.

Born in Allegan Michigan on May 24, 1929 to parents Clare (Andy) and Virginia Ferris. She often talked of riding her bike from Allegan to Kalamazoo to visit with relatives and of her love of nature. Roaming the woods as a child was a favorite past-time.

After High school, Maralyn attended Hope College where she met her future husband, George Slikkers Jr. She and George married in 1949 and took up residence in Holland Michigan. George was the love of her life and when he died suddenly at the age of 54, she never felt compelled to seek another partner. Fiercely independent, Maralyn continued to teach and live in Holland until 2000 when she moved to Saugatuck. Her new home allowed her to have a garden and to be surrounded by artists and liberal thinkers, like herself. Her garden was her main artistic outlet. She could be seen working there most of the year. She also began painting again and produced many lovely pieces.

Maralyn choose teaching as her career and her first teaching job was a one room school house in Harlem, a small community just north of Holland, where she and her sister taught kindergarten through high school age children. She was still attending college and had not had the luxury of “student teaching”. Next she taught at Pine Creek School and then moved on to Van Raalte School, where she spent most of her career teaching reading to 1st graders. Maralyn was a life-long learner, obtaining her Master’s Degree in reading when she was in her 40’s. She loved teaching and always went above and beyond for her students, producing extravagant plays and even preparing Thanksgiving dinner for the whole class with George happily joining in to assist her. She retired from teaching in 1985. After retiring she taught art to “gifted and talented” students at the Holland Art Center.

Being open minded and curious, Maralyn sought out adventures. She travelled to Russia with a group of women she didn’t know. She was awed by the beauty of the architecture and also spoke of the hard life that Russians lived, standing in line for hours just to get a loaf of bread or some other necessity. She also traveled to Cozumel by herself where she was caught in a hurricane and stranded for several days. She often traveled alone to California to visit friends and Texas to conferences with beloved teachers John and Jan Price.

Maralyn loved books, music and art, always seeking out the beauty in the world. She was constantly reading and learning. Her favorite book was “Every Word Has Power”. She read it over and over. She was also deeply spiritual and was a founding member of Unity on the Lakeshore. She stated often that she had no fear of death. She believed something better was waiting for her and she was ready to go.

Those who knew Maralyn loved her charming smile and her acceptance of everyone she met. She will be missed by her many friends.

Maralyn is survived by her children, Kerry Lytle, Debra Gilcrest and George Thomas (Michelle) Slikkers, her sister, Barbara Scholten, her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Lloyd) Miller, Alex (Matt) Barr and Fredrika (Sam) Slikkers and her great grandchildren Emmerson Miller, Lloyd Miller IV and Harper Barr as well as her nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Life Service will be held in the spring.

Maralyn’s family wishes to thank Hospice of Holland, Cornerstone and Comfort Keepers and the wonderful staff for their care and support during this difficult time.

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

The Slikkers family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.