Sierra Marie (Van Til) Zylstra

Sierra Marie (Van Til) Zylstra, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away in the company of her husband and family on February 27, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 30 after a tenacious journey with cancer. Born on May 4, 1994, to Marc and Vonda (Nagelkirk) Van Til, Sierra's life was a testament to the joy and beauty that a faith-filled heart can bring into the world. 

Sierra's radiant smile and joyful presence were a comfort to all who knew her. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Josh Zylstra, and the two shared a love that was both deep and unwavering. Sierra's family was the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and granddaughter. Her parents, Marc and Vonda Van Til, her in-laws, Curtis and Brenda Zylstra, her grandparents, Gary and Maxine "Micky" Van Til and Marlene Zylstra, her sister, Sydney Van Til, her brother, Vaughn Van Til, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jayme and Mike Monroe, her niece and nephew, Taylor and Brody Monroe, will forever treasure the memories they created with Sierra. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Noreta and Herbert Nagelkirk, Ed Zylstra, and Gloria and Ed Ruch, who undoubtedly welcomed her with open arms.

Sierra loved teaching from a young age and dedicated her professional life to nurturing young minds as a first-grade teacher at Marshall Elementary School in Byron Center, MI. Sierra would always go above and beyond for her students; tirelessly innovating her teaching to inspire, always extending the utmost love and care to each child in her classroom. Her devotion to impacting the lives of her students will be a lasting legacy within the school community. 

Beyond her work, Sierra's interests reflected her zest for life and love for those around her. Volleyball was Sierra’s passion; competing in college for 4 years, coaching post-college, and continuing to play as much as she was able. Sierra’s diagnosis gave her an even further zest for life, committing to travel the world to witness God’s creation to its fullest. Sierra's love for her husband, Josh, and their dog, Champ, was evident in the life they built together, full of laughter and mutual support.

Family gatherings and time spent at the family cottage were among Sierra's most cherished moments. The simple pleasures of life—shared stories around the campfire, dance parties on the boat, and the sillyness of game nights—were sources of immense happiness for her. Sierra's involvement with Standale Reformed Church was a reflection of her deep faith. She served her church community with the same love and dedication that she gave to every aspect of her life.

Sierra's life was a living example of her loving, kind, and faith-filled nature. Her ability to see the good in others, to offer support without hesitation, and to live a life grounded in her beliefs, made her a cherished soul whose impact will continue to be felt by many.

As we bid farewell to Sierra Marie Zylstra, we do so with gratitude for the time we were given with her and for the lessons she taught us through her example. Sierra's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Her light will continue to shine brightly in the memories we hold dear.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Sierra will be deeply missed, yet we take comfort in knowing that her legacy of love and kindness will endure. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday, March 7, 2025 from 11:00 to 1:00 P.M. and 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Coopersville Reformed Church, 423 West Randall St. Coopersville, MI 49404. A funeral service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Standale Reformed Church, 202 Cummings Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 with Pastors Kyle Lake, Matt Shults and Jess Shults officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Standale Reformed Church (which will go to the SRC Memorial Scholarship Fund), 202 Cummings Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 or M.I.B. Agents (which will go to Osteosarcoma Research), PO Box 858, Barnard, Vermont 05031 or online at https://give-usa.keela.co/embed/YAipuSaWxHPJP7RCJ. Condolences for the family may be left on Sierra’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com. 

Throop Funeral Home 

Coopersville, 616-837-8161