Linda Joyce Bedard

Linda Joyce Bedard, age 79, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Linda was preceded in death by her parents Daniel Fetters and Gertrude Nelsena Tideman. She will be remembered by her husband, John Craig Bedard; children Kirk, Brian Bedard and Sara Ruster (husband, Joel); grandchildren Garret (wife, Zoee) Gavin, Etta Hope, and Avalynn; great-grandchildren Sonny and Millie Margaret; many cousins and friends. Faith in Jesus was important to Linda. She relied heavily on her faith throughout her life, spending time with God in His Word and praying daily. She also made sure her kids, grandkids, and friends knew the importance of having a personal relationship with the Lord. Linda and John Craig were high school sweethearts and attended Farwell area schools together. Their first date was at the roller-skating rink, but they also spent Friday nights together after school football games. He played football and she played in the band at the games. They knew each other seven years prior to their wedding on October 14th, 1967. Living their first three years of marriage in Europe, Linda and John Craig traveled frequently together, starting a family and finally settling in the Grand Rapids area for a blessed 58 years together. Linda, the family Matriarch, enjoyed taking care of everyone to include relatives, friends, and even her kids' friends. This led her to become a volunteer caregiver for Holland Home of Grand Rapids. Linda LOVED music, initially wanting to become a background vocalist, lending her talents to a band, her favorite being country and western music. She always had a radio playing (usually one in every room she had been in). Often you could hear her singing as she was completing tasks around the home. Family was important to Linda, and she always made everyone feel like they were part of hers. Linda was an avid animal lover, spending a lot of her time as a young girl at the farms of other family members. She had several pets while growing up. She was always making sure the animals outside were safe and warm. When younger, Linda enjoyed being outside in nature. Her father Dan encouraged her to spend time outdoors by providing her with her first Canadian snowmobile. This soon led to camping, fishing and riding motorcycles with her family. She passed this love and sense of adventure down to her children. Linda enjoyed a clean, warm and welcoming home. She held down the homestead often when her husband was on military assignments overseas. Linda’s meals could range from a five-course meal to plain bologna on a cracker and it always felt like a feast. This skill she learned from her own mother, Trudy. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home from 11 A.M. until 1 P.M. A Committal Service will follow immediately in the Vernon Twp. Cemetery. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Linda Joyce Bedard

July 19, 1946 - June 2, 2026