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Patricia Ferwerda
Patricia Ann “Patty” Ferwerda, 69, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, at Ludington Woods. Born January 8, 1957, in Grand Haven, to Joseph and Edith Ferwerda, Patty lived a life grounded in family, hard work, helping others and, above all, an unwavering faith in the Lord.
Patty spent her early childhood in Nunica, before moving with her family to the Silver Lake area. It was there, surrounded by family, that many of the qualities that would define her life took root. She learned the value of working hard, taking care of what you have, helping when help was needed and treating others with respect.
For years, Patty worked alongside her parents and siblings at Silver Sands Resort. While she could often be found working the front desk, Patty was just as willing to roll up her sleeves and tackle whatever job needed to be done. She helped with repairs, painting, roofing and countless other projects. She wasn’t afraid of hard work or big projects and had a knack for digging in, organizing, cleaning things out and seeing a job through.
Later, Patty made her home in Ludington, where her resourcefulness and love of a good bargain became part of her livelihood. For many summers, she operated a yard sale business, something she took great pride in. Patty knew how to bargain, find a good deal, keep track of her money and make the most of what she had. She was proud not necessarily of how much she earned, but of how well she managed what she had. She took pride in caring for her home and living independently.
Those who knew Patty knew she could be strong-willed. She was wise, smart and determined, and she didn’t like to give up or be pushed around. But alongside that determination was a playful side. Patty enjoyed kidding around with people, dancing and listening to country music, watching westerns and game shows—especially “Wheel of Fortune”—and going for car rides to the beach and state park. She enjoyed fishing with her mom in Silver Lake and Florida and treasured simply spending time with family and friends.
Family traditions mattered to Patty. She loved Christmas shopping with her sisters, playing games and taking family trips, including visits to Florida and Tennessee. At family holidays, everyone could count on Patty bringing her deviled eggs.
She also had a few simple favorites that those closest to her will remember with a smile: onion rings, root beer floats, and peanut butter and honey on toast.
More than anything, however, Patty’s life was defined by her Christian faith.
Throughout her life, she attended First Baptist Church in Hart, Washington Avenue Baptist Church in Ludington and later Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ludington. Patty loved talking about the Lord and wanted others to know Him. Her family remembers the strength of her faith and the trust she placed in the Lord throughout her life.
Her faith wasn’t something she kept to herself. It shaped how she believed people should live and treat one another. Among the lessons she passed on to her family were the importance of respecting others, having faith in the Lord and following a simple principle: “Treat others as you would want to be treated.”
Patty was also generous with three words that mattered greatly: I love you. She showed her affection openly and often, frequently telling those she loved, “I love you, honey.”
Of all the things Patty accomplished and cared for during her lifetime, she was especially proud of her children and grandchildren.
Patty is survived by her children, Katie (Edwin Larson) Ferwerda and Kenneth (Kitana) Ferwerda; her grandchildren, Ethan Hill, Jackson Hill, Dylan Hill, Victor Larson, Nolan Larson, Carsyn Ferwerda, Logan Ferwerda and Emmet Ferwerda; and her great-grandchildren, Zachariah Hill and Elijah Hill.
She is also survived by her siblings, Kathleen Vriesman, Timothy (Cindy) Ferwerda, Judith (Michael) Schmidt and Theodore (Gina) Ferwerda, along with extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Edith Ferwerda.
Patty will be remembered for her determination and independence, her ability to stretch a dollar and find a bargain, her willingness to work hard and lend a hand, her playful sense of humor and the love she had for her family. But perhaps her greatest legacy is the faith she carried throughout her life and so willingly shared with others.
A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 1:00 PM, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Avenue, Hart. followed by a luncheon at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Mears Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday from 12:00 PM until time of services at the funeral home.
Patty spent her life reminding others to have faith, respect one another and treat people as they themselves would want to be treated. Those who loved her can honor her best by carrying those lessons forward—and perhaps by remembering to say “I love you, honey” a little more often.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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