Don and Conny--we're so sorry to hear about your mom. You and the kids are in our thoughts. May the memories you have of her comfort you during this time. Love, John and Heather

 Posted by John and Heather Gage - Old Lyme, CT August 14, 2008

My deepest condolences to the family of Barb Raaymakers. I knew Barb and Don for many years from the Capitol lunch God's Kitchen program and considered them very dear friends. I was truly amazed by the unconditional love and compassion she had for the poor. God truly has a special place in Heaven for you Barb. Rest in the loving arms of Jesus and God bless you.

 Posted by James Jim - Grand Rapids, MI August 14, 2008

To the family of Barb, You have my sincere Christian sympathy in the loss of your dear Mom. It was always a pleasure to care for and talk with Barb. We often talked about how she cooked and baked for so many people -- family and "family" at God's kitchen. The arms that welcomed your Mom in heaven are the same arms that lovingly hold your heart today. Love and prayers.

 Posted by Ruth G.Manor - Jenison,, MI August 14, 2008

We remember Barb and Don as friends and neighbors at New Amsterdam Village. Our deepest consolation.

 Posted by J. Q. & Shirley Baker - Jenison, MI August 14, 2008

It's always such a mix of emotions, isn't it? Right now I feel such sorrow for my cousins who have lost their last parent, and yet I feel such joy for my Aunt, who no doubt has quickly receied her place in everlasting paradise next to my wonderful Uncle. And it's so easy to picture her with perfect wings, isn't it?
 Love & Hugs...

 Posted by Alice Salmon - Cedar Springs, MI August 15, 2008

You family is in my thoughts and prayers. God bless!

 Posted by Stephanie Terpening - Saint Ignace, MI August 15, 2008

Dear Raaymaker's Family,
 Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. She lead a wonderful, and exemplary life for her children, and the people she helped through god's kitchen, and her way of being. '
 Sincerely
 Tobie Wilkinson

 Posted by Tobie Wilkinson - East Troy, WI August 15, 2008

Hi family of Barb and Paul Patin. We are friends of your parents back in the Packaging Corp Days. Your parents were our son, Mike's Godparents. We had so many fun times together and we were always together every week. Both guys worked nights and Barb and I and the kids would camp at one or the others houses and spend the evening. Barb and I were pregnant at the same time, her with Kathy and me with Julie, my firstborn. Maybe Sherry and Mark remember coming up to our hometown of Remus, MI to visit and hunt with our family and friends. We moved from Wyoming, MI and kept in contact for awhile but soon work & life became too busy. Gosh how sad to lose friends because your too busy. Your parents were such loving people and always thought of others before themselves. I can see by all the work the Raaymakers did for God's Kitchen your Mom never changed. God Bless you kids and grandkids, your parents have been reconciled at last. Judie & Butch

 Posted by Hugh and Judie Simon - Mt. Pleasant, MI August 15, 2008

Mike - so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. She had tremendous positive impact to many, many lives with her commitment at God's Kitchen. Even during these most difficult times, God can be a powerful source of strength.
 I am praying that God's grace will carry you and your family through this time.

 Posted by G Heath - Hudsonville, MI August 15, 2008

To the family of Barb,
 She was a joy to take care of here at Blodgett! She made me laugh . . . she was funny, and sweet. I loved hanging out in her room with her while she was here. My favorite moment was when I walked into her room one afternoon, and said "Barbara, what do you think?" She came back with "Well, I think you're weird" and we both laughed for a good 5 minutes : 
 I realized as time went on just how special she was, because of all of the family support: you guys are great! She was so lucky to have you . . .
 I know she will be dearly missed. Hang in there, and thanks for all of your support!
 : Jane

 Posted by Jane Stancil - East Grand Rapids, MI August 18, 2008

Dear Family of Barbara Raaymakers, I am sorry about the lost of your loved one. Words cannot describe feelings in a time like this. Many have found comfort in the Bible's promises of seeing our past loved ones again. Keep memories of your loved one close.

 Posted by Millie W. - MD August 18, 2008

I loved Barb with EVERY fiber of my being and heart and soul. The time I spent living with you kids and your mom & dad was very special...among the very BEST times of my life. She loved all you kids with every fiber of HER being, and HER heart and soul. I feel the SAME LOVE for you all. Take care. If you need ANYTHING, just call me and I will be there. I love you, Lindy AKA Linda Littletrees

 Posted by Lindy Weiland - Grand Rapids, MI August 19, 2008

To Barb's family, our sincere sympathy & caring thoughts. We were out of town & didn't learn of her death till the following week. We were quite surprised. I have so many good memories of your mom from the "Mapleview St years!" I loved her humor & her upbeat attitude about life. I remember sometimes sitting in her kitchen & talking for hours while you kids all played with my kids out back----and of course from time to time we had to check on you, because as your Mom said, "God is a lousy babysitter!" I so admired all that Barb & Don did to help others! I remember the potato story & was glad to see that in the article about her. Remembering you in our prayers, Wayne & Marilyn Rietberg

 Posted by Marilyn Rietberg - Grand Rapids, MI August 23, 2008

OBITUARY

Barbara Raaymakers

11 January, 1938 – 12 August, 2008

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services