Muriel Sloothaak

Muriel Ruth Sloothaak (VanHouten), age 87, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025. Born to Peter and Winnie VanHouten, she was the eldest of four children. She graduated from Muskegon Christian High School in 1955. She married Donald Sloothaak in 1956 and together they had 2 children.

Muriel was preceded in death by her husband, Donald in 2011. She is survived by her two children, Michael Sloothaak of SanDiego, California, and Susan (Dennis) Newman of Kalamazoo, her son-in-law for 25 years, Steven DeKoekkoek, her three grandchildren, Megan (Jonathan) Hietbrink, Donna (Richard) Brannock and Peter (Emily) DeKoekkoek and her 7 great grandchildren, Samuel, Benjamin, Timothy and Naomi Hietbrink and Vivian, Olive and Athena DeKoekkoek.

She is also survived by her sister, Arlene Mulder of Muskegon and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Muriel was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church, most recently Second Christian Reformed Church in Kalamazoo. When she was younger she enjoyed playing the organ for church. She had a passion for quilting and sewing, talents she shared generously with her family and community. In July of 1972, Muriel and Donald moved to White City Farm in Otsego, where they spent many years farming and then growing and selling apples and other produce at a roadside market.

All are welcome to attend a memorial service to honor her life on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Northbridge Church, 8824 Douglas Ave., Kalamazoo. The family will receive visitors after the service where light refreshments will be available.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Second Christian Reformed Church or Kairos Dwelling of Kalamazoo.