Buitendyk (Canning), Barbara Louann, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 85. She was better known to her loved ones and friends as Bobbie.

Bobbie was born on March 9, 1941, to John and Lillian (Smith) Canning in Providence, Rhode Island. About a year after graduating from St. Xavier’s Academy, she married Jack R. Buitendyk. Bobbie and Jack were married on October 1, 1960, at St. Timothy’s Church in Warwick, Rhode Island. They continued living in Rhode Island until 1965, when they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they made their home and raised their family.

Throughout their nearly 66 years of marriage, Bobbie and Jack shared many vacations and adventures. Bobbie loved camping, shopping, and reading a good book. She and Jack especially enjoyed camping at their favorite campground, Aloha State Park.

Bobbie will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, especially her grandchildren, and for faithfully attending and supporting them at countless sporting events and extracurricular activities. She was a dedicated and dependable presence in the lives of those she loved, always making time to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage them along the way. Bobbie deeply valued her friendships and cherished every opportunity to spend time with her family and friends. Her loyalty, steadfast support, and genuine love for others will be remembered by everyone whose life she touched.

Bobbie will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Jack R. Buitendyk; her children, Kevin (Darleen) Buitendyk, Scott Buitendyk, and Jack (Amy) Buitendyk II; her grandchildren, Ryan (Crystal) Buitendyk, Matthew Buitendyk, Luke Buitendyk, Lance Buitendyk, Mark Buitendyk, Casey Buitendyk, Alexa Buitendyk, Isabella Buitendyk, and Jack David Buitendyk; her great-grandchildren, Nina Pierce, Tate Buitendyk, and Sophia Buitendyk; and her sister, Jacqueline A. Brum. She will also be dearly remembered by her best friend and confidante, Lynn Anderson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillian Canning, and her sister, Carol.

Visitation with the family will be held at St. Jude Catholic Parish, 1120 4 Mile Road, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525, on September 25, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M., with a luncheon afterward.