Sarajane Gail VanPutten, 81, of Holland, MI, passed away on January 21, 2024.
Sarajane was born and raised in Holland, Mi to Glenard and Armita Bonnette on August 6, 1942. She had one older brother Bob. They were very close and created many wonderful memories as they grew up in the Central Park area, riding horses and swimming off the fire dock. Sarajane attended Holland Public Schools where she thrived and was involved in many clubs and activities including; yearbook, being a class officer, leadership in many clubs, cheerleading as well as being voted homecoming queen. College was on her mind as she wanted to be a teacher but after one semester at Western Michigan University, she married her lifelong friend, Jim Van Putten onFebruary 23, 1962. Together they had two children, Mitch in 1963 and Michelle (Shelly) in 1966.
Early on Sarajane worked as a telephone operator. Later she transitioned to sell Vivian Woodard Cosmetics to spend more time home with her young family. Years later in 1979, she opened The Book Mart. This used paperback bookstore was open for over 40 years. Sarajane retired in 2019 at the age of 77. She loved the store, her customers, and would often say her time spent there was fun and never felt like “work”.
Sarajane loved spending time with family, this truly was the greatest joy of her life. As her children grew, she was a highly involved mom, and attended all their activities. Later she made it a priority to be at as many of her grandchildren’s events as possible. She would drive, even fly to watch all sorts of sporting events, concerts, religious ceremonies, dance recitals, graduations, weddings, banquets, even horse races in Kansas with extended family. As she cared for parents and in laws, she started the habit of eating at Jackie’s restaurant. This became a very special place, and she made it a daily habit to have coffee there.
She was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church of Holland, and was part of many Bible studies, Circle groups and various activities. There she made many wonderful long-termfriends. Later in life, she attended Community Church in Douglas. There, she enjoyed her new pastor and the opportunity to build new relationships.
Traveling with friends and family grew into a strong passion. It started with family trips to Kansas, Hawaii, and Florida. Later this grew as she visited many new places, including international travel to the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, and a Rhine River cruise. Domestically she enjoyed trips to Colorado, Arizona, Missouri, Tennessee, Maine, and Nevada. Two of her favorite State of Michigan trips were to Mackinaw Island for Labor Day weekends and to Big Star Lake.
One of Sarajane’s special gifts was her selfless, giving spirit. Many family members, friends, and friends of friends were recipients of prayers, cards, flowers, gifts, letters, calls, cut out newspaper articles, and visits. Each always accompanied with a kind word. These gestures brought her so much joy. Sarajane was truly and angel on earth and will be missed dearly.
Sarajane is survived by her son Mitch (Pam) VanPutten of Holland, MI and daughter Shelly (Phil) Fortier of New Era, MI. Grandchildren Grant (Kate) VanPutten, Laura VanPutten, Andy Fortier and Sarajane (Ryan) Cole. Great Grandchildren Merrick & Briley VanPutten. Sister in-law Mary Lou (Terry) Pursel. Niece and nephews Paul (Pam) Pursel, Karen Pursel, Rob (Gina) Bonnette, Tim (Dona) Bonnette, Niclole (Jeff) Hegedus and their children. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim VanPutten, brother / sister in-law Bob (Sena) Bonnette, and nephew Mike Pursel.
A celebration of her life will be held at Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel on January 28 with visitation from 1:00-3:00,followed by a service at 3:00. Reverend James Karsten will be officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Young Life of Holland at 96 W 15th St Ste 108, Holland, MI 49423 and Careline Hospice of Grand Rapids at 77 Kenmore Ave Ste 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
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