Vivian Delorce Etheridge

Vivian Delorce Etheridge, 94 of Spring Lake, Mich., passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at home. She was born March 22, 1929, in Leachville, to the late William and Nancy (Ballard) Woods. Delorce married James Etheridge on July 3, 1946, in Leachville. He preceded her in death on Jan. 18, 2013, after 66 years of marriage. Delorce and James moved from Arkansas to Michigan in 1947. She worked with her husband as administrator and co-owner of many nursing homes in the West Michigan area, including: Sanctuary of the Shores (Shore Haven), Lamont Christian Nursing Home in Coopersville, Belding Nursing Home, Meadow Brook Nursing Home in Holland, Baywood Christian Nursing Home in Ludington, and also Sandy Shores Resort at Silver Lake. Delorce was noted for her kind caring and respect of the many people who she and her husband cared for at the home-like atmosphere in all their nursing homes. She attended Lakeshore Baptist Church and was an active leader of the Pioneer Girls group at the church. In her younger years, Delorce was also a Girl Scout leader and member of M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). She was a wonderful cook who loved to read, make and collect quilts, and collect dolls. Her love and joy for family and friends was remarkable in her laughter, wit, and concern for others.

Delorce will be lovingly remembered and missed by her two daughters, Rev. Sherry (David) Elliott of Philadelphia, Pa., and Nancy Collins of Spring Lake, Mich.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Cude; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her five sisters, Beatrice Ward, Gladis Hester, Aline (John) Holland, Mary Lee Thomason, and Virgie Poe; her brother, Jewel Woods; sisters-in-law, Faye Buck and Mary Lou Hamlett; and brothers-in-law, Roy Lee “Bud” (Patricia) Etheridge, G.W. Etheridge, and Charles Etheridge.

The funeral service for Delorce will take place at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with her daughter, Rev. Sherry Elliott officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association-Michigan Chapter. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Delorce’s online guestbook.