Zola "Bitsie" Van Deraa

Bitsie Van Deraa passed away April 29, 2025. She was born May 20, 1927 to Elmer and Florence Livers.

Bitsie lived close to a century and enjoyed telling stories about historical events from her life. She often recounted personal memories tied to momentous events, including the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, World War Two, and a global pandemic. She delighted in sharing that her birthday coincided with Charles Lindbergh’s historic transatlantic flight.

After her father Elmer’s first wife died during the 1918 influenza pandemic, he was left alone with his daughter Violet. Elmer married Florence, and they had two daughters, Bitsie and Naomi.

She was raised in Griffith, Indiana with parents who were enthusiastic vegetable and flower gardeners. Growing up during the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II, Bitsie excelled academically. She became her high school valedictorian and pursued higher education in accounting.

After graduation, she became engaged to Bill Van Deraa who was stationed at Pearl Harbor. Bill sent her a silk parachute from Hawaii with a note that read: make a wedding dress from this! They were married for 27 years and raised three children. She worked as an accountant in their business and played a key role in its success. She worked for various car dealers as an office manager in Chicagoland and finished her career as CFO for her daughter’s healthcare management business until her retirement in 2001. She moved to Stevensville in 2018.

Bitsie will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her adventurous spirit in the kitchen — especially her meatloaf recipe and experiments with different cuisines — her sharp sense of humor, and her deep appreciation for nature. In addition to her kindness, love of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and pets, Bitsie will be missed for her resilient spirit, by her family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Van Deraa. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Rae Ellis (Steve), and her son, Kirk Van Deraa (Cheri); six grandchildren — Julie, Lauren, Arielle, Elizabeth, Jessica (Carmin), and Liam (Xiomara); and nine great-grandchildren — Bishop, Griffin, Gage, Drayven, Blayze, Vivienne, Naomi, David, and Wolfgang.

A celebration of Bitsie’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Fernwood Botanic Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI 49120. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, MI 49106.