Sharon "Sherri" Bode was as fiery as her red hair, and twice as spirited. On December 20th, 2024, at age 72, she left this world the way she lived, wrapped in the love of her Heavenly Father, with her soulmate Rick by her side.
Rick and Sherri's love story started in high school, where they were sweethearts until life pulled them in different directions. Years later, when Rick returned from Marine Corps boot camp, they found their way back to each other - proving that true love knows no timeline. On June 8th, 1974, they tied the knot at Camp Geiger where Rick was stationed with the Marines, beginning a 50-year adventure filled with love, laughter, and more than a few renovation projects. Together, they built a life in Michigan, moving from Grandville to Allendale and finally settling in Holland seven years ago.
Nothing made Sherri's eyes light up quite like her grandkids. Being "Nana" to Tristan, Bode, and Shylee was her greatest joy, and she spent every moment she could with them. She loved them "To the Moon and Back" and made sure they knew it.
Life threw plenty of curves her way - including raising three distinctly different kids who kept her on her toes. There was her opinionated firstborn, Amethyst (Amy), her stubborn middle child, Kimby (Kim), and her free-spirited youngest, Pete (Erick). But Sherri met every challenge with her trademark mix of sarcasm, brutal honesty, and sheer determination. She never backed down, never stopped pushing forward, and never gave up on the people she loved.
Sherri and Rick built a rich life between Michigan and Florida, surrounded by friends who became family. You'd find her walking the beach with a good book in hand, trying new restaurants during their Tuesday night dinner adventures, or participating in evening card games. Her laugh could fill a room, her hugs held on until you knew just how loved you were, and her wit could keep you on your toes.
In her final weeks, Sherri faced life's biggest challenge with the same strength and faith that had defined her entire life. She told her husband, Rick, "I am at peace with my Lord." She died in her sleep on December 20th, with Rick by her side.
Born Sharon Joy Zwyghuizen on February 24th, 1952, to Peter and Douwina Zwyghuizen, Sherri was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Maxine Doornbos and Marsha Tubergen. She is survived by her brother Ray Zwyghuizen; her beloved husband Rick; her children Amy Venema (Tim), Kim Bode (Josh Byler), and Erick Bode; and her cherished grandchildren Tristan, Bode (Ashlei), and Shylee Venema.
A celebration of Sherri's life will be held in Michigan this spring, where family and friends will gather to share stories of the force of nature we were lucky enough to call wife, mom, Nana, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Florida Yorkie Rescue (www.floridayorkierescue.com) in Sherri's name - because she never met a dog, she didn't want to take home.
