Caryl Kidder

Caryl Ethel Kidder, a beacon of faith, creativity, and boundless love, finished her race on March 13, 2025. Caryl was born January 20, 1959, in DeRuyter, New York, but spent her adult life living in Wyoming Michigan. Caryl embraced life with a spirit that was as infectious as it was inspiring. She carried within her the love of Jesus, and a heart to serve, leaving an indelible mark on the world that will continue to shine through the lives she touched.

Her legacy is one of nurturing and growth, evidenced by her devotion to her family. As a mother to Jemimah Capps, she instilled her love of Jesus, a heart of servanthood and perseverance despite negative circumstances. Her love multiplied as she became a grandmother to Hailey, Bennett, and Parker Capps, whose lives she enriched with wisdom, joy, and the melodies of her youth. Her family was her pride, her joy, and her most cherished accomplishment.

Caryl's passion for supporting the growth and development of others was not confined to her personal life. She graduated from Jordan College with an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development, a testament to her commitment to fostering the potential in every life. Her professional journey as a Program Director at Hope Network spanned over two decades, where she served as a caretaker for disabled adults. Her work was not just a job; it was a calling—a mission to spread hope and to empower those who needed it most.

Her creative soul found expression in many ways: through the strings of her guitar, the keys of a piano, and the brushstrokes of her art. Caryl's writing, a tapestry of her innermost thoughts and dreams, was yet another avenue through which she connected with the world. Each note she played, each line she wrote, was a testament to her belief in the beauty of life.

However, it was in her unwavering love for Jesus and her involvement in Grand Rapids First Church that Caryl's spirit truly soared. Her faith was not just a part of her—it was the cornerstone of her existence. She lived her beliefs with a fervor that encouraged others to seek Christ.

Caryl's journey was not without its trials, and battling cancer was to be her last. However, in each battle she faced, she looked forward to seeing God show his face, and in each, He did. Now, she is face to face with Him, a victor!

To describe Caryl is to speak of intelligence that was both innate and nurtured, of creativity that knew no bounds, and of a faith that could move mountains. Her life was a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Caryl Ethel Kidder was not just a name; she was a story of triumph, a melody of hope, and a portrait of the love of Christ that she so fervently believed in! As we celebrate Caryl's remarkable journey, we are reminded that her spirit endures. Her story does not end here; it is carried forward by those who loved her and by the countless lives she has blessed. Let us hold to the hope of seeing her again. Keep the memories she gifted us close and in doing so, we ensure that Caryl's memory will never dim, but will continue to inspire us toward a life of purpose, passion, and unwavering faith.

Services to be held at Grand Rapids First on Friday March 28th with visitation from 10am-11am and services from 11am to 12pm.