Edith Elizabeth Vlietstra, daughter of Charles Nyman and Marie (Bullis) Nyman, was born July 31, 1937, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and departed this life June 14, 2023, in her home near Mansfield, Missouri, at the age of 85 years, 10 months, and 17 days.
On October 7, 1960, she was united in marriage to Martin Vlietstra and to this union, thirteen children were born. Martin preceded her in death on January 18, 2022. She was also preceded in death by three daughters, Debra Lynn Vlietstra, and twins, Susan and Sharon Vlietstra, and brother, Rod Nyman.
Edith is survived by her children, Martin (Glenda) Vlietstra of Mansfield, Missouri, David (Cornelia) Vlietstra of Diggins, Missouri, Janice (Jim) Valkenburg of Pinconning, Michigan, Jonathan (Jane) Vlietstra of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Karen (Rick) VanSeters of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Roger (Beverly) Vlietstra of Washington, New Jersey, Linda (Jay) Velier of Rogersville, Missouri, Daniel (Dawn) Vlietstra of Dorr, Michigan, Paul (Wendy) Vlietstra of Mansfield, Missouri, and Steven (Stephanie) Vlietstra of Alto, Michigan; forty-eight grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Charlotte Rieder of Fordland, Missouri; in-laws, Wilma Vander Waal, Alice Vlietstra, Fred and Sue Vlietstra, and Walt and Joan Heerschap; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in New Jersey, moved to Wisconsin in 1989, and to Mansfield, Missouri, in 2009. Edith was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker, and was a member of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation.
Edith loved Laura Ingalls Wilder and her books. She toured all of her homes in several different states. In her spare time, she was a great photographer, taking posed pictures and lots of snap shots, of her family, especially the grandchildren. Her family was most important to her, with her pets a very close second.
Edith was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and a caring friend. We celebrate her life and have many special memories that we will always cherish.
