Phyllis Tuinstra

Phyllis Joan Tuinstra, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and child of God, entered her eternal home in the presence of her Lord and Savior on December 10, 2025. Born to Bastian and Nellie De Jager, Phyllis was one of five children raised in a loving Christian home shaped by faith, hard work, and deep family bonds-values that remained central throughout her life.

Phyllis was born on October 20, 1938, in Oostburg, Wisconsin. A few years later, her family moved to Huntington, West Virginia, to be closer to relatives during the difficult years following the Great Depression. They made a new start in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1942, where her father Bastian found steady work in a nursery. In 1953, the family relocated again-this time to Grand Rapids, Michigan. After two years in a rented house, they finally put down lasting roots on a farm in the Byron Center area, where Bastian later built his greenhouse business.

Phyllis married the love of her life, Lawrence (Larry) Tuinstra on December 2, 1960. They began their married life in Martin, Michigan, before settling nearby in Shelbyville, where they built the home in which they raised their family and established the family business, Tuinstra Greenhouse. She devoted more than 30 years of her life to the horticulture industry. Her love of plants and nature extended far beyond her professional life-her home was a living testament to her love of God's creation. Every room, window (recently cleaned of course), and corner overflowed with collections of flowering and ornamental plants, carefully tended and lovingly arranged. From vibrant seasonal flowers to delicate perennials, her home was a sanctuary of color and life, reflecting her deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. Phyllis's green thumb and artistic touch were evident in every planter she crafted and every display she nurtured, creating a warm and welcoming environment for family and friends. 

Phyllis and Larry were blessed to celebrate 65 years of marriage in 2025, surrounded by the family and friends who cherished them. Throughout their life together, they were devoted members of East Martin Christian Reformed Church, where their faith shaped their home and service. That same faith inspired them to volunteer with the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee and World Renew, participating in multiple disaster-response mission trips and serving others with compassion and humility.

Phyllis and Larry were blessed with four children-Cheryl, Charlene, Vincent, and Mitchell-and Phyllis poured herself into her family with unwavering devotion. Some of her happiest days were spent at Pratt Lake in West Michigan and on Anna Maria Island in Florida, savoring long afternoons of sunshine and picnics surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and cherished friends. An accomplished cook, Phyllis delighted in preparing wonderful meals and sharing her favorite dishes with those she loved. She also had a keen eye for God's creative handiwork. On family trips, she often reflected that the most magnificent "cathedrals" in the world were not built by human hands, but found in the national parks and natural places shaped by God Himself.

Deeply committed to Christian education, Phyllis faithfully supported her children's schooling. When her youngest child left home for Calvin University, Phyllis embraced a long-held personal goal-returning to school herself. She proudly earned her high school degree in 1991, an accomplishment that inspired her family and reflected her determination, perseverance, and love of learning.

Phyllis is survived by her devoted husband, Larry; her children Cheryl (Paul) Havenaar, Charlene (Jim) DeMoore, Vincent (Kim) Tuinstra, and Mitchell (Michelle) Tuinstra; her siblings Stan (Wanda) De Jager, John (Elaine) De Jager, and Nancy (Bob) Grevenstuk; and her sister-in-law Arlene Wustman. She was preceded in death by her sister Madge and by her in-laws: Harold and Flossie Tuinstra, Bob and Dorothy Helmholdt, Ted Wustman, and Ed Liscomb.

Phyllis's legacy continues in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a treasured place in her heart: Jennifer (Scott), Owen, and Evelynn Vlietstra; Benjamin (Meg Kline) Brussee; Kristen (Benjamin), Reese, Quinn, Ellie, and Kylee Klooster; Ashley (Matthew), Tyler (Abby), and Morgan Double; Erica (Josh), James, Hannah, and Logan Gruber; Chelsea (Patrick), Courtney, Jackson, and Jordan Keller; Casey (Lindsey), Mason, and Kendell DeMoore; Nicolaas (Emma) and Hallie Tuinstra; Evan Tuinstra; Jonathan Tuinstra; Zoie Tuinstra; Christopher Tuinstra; Chloe Tuinstra; Caden (Elly), Julia, and Adam Tuinstra; and Corin Tuinstra. Nothing brought Phyllis greater delight than being "Grandma" and "Great-Grandma." She prayed faithfully and lovingly for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Although she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices with full hearts, knowing that her earthly journey is complete and her joy now overflows in the presence of her God and Savior.

The family gives thanks to God for the gift of Phyllis's life and the blessing she was to all who knew her.

A celebration of Phyllis' life will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at East Martin CRC, 1782 5th St, Martin, MI 49070. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM followed by a service at 12:00 noon. A luncheon will be provided following the service. Interment will take place at East Martin Cemetery at 2:15 PM the same day. 

In lieu of flowers and to honor Phyllis' wishes, please donate to East Martin Christian School (https://eastmartin.org/support/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) or Kalamazoo Christian High School (https://kcsa.org/give/).

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Phyllis' guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Tuinstra family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881.