Obituary for Sarah Ann VanDerWoude

Sarah Ann VanDerWoude, of Portland, passed away on November 4, 2026, at the age of 47. She was born on December 28, 1978, in Lansing, Michigan, to Charles and Geraldine (Meyers) VanDerWoude.

Sarah graduated from St. Patrick High School - Class of 1997 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.

Sarah had an appreciation for the beauty of nature and especially loved Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where she found peace in going to the cabin her father built there. She had a kind heart and a special place in it for animals, fostering many over the years- most notably her two skunks. Sarah enjoyed art and expressing herself through her many interests. She was also learning to play the ukulele, embracing yet another way to bring music and creativity into her life. Above all else, Sarah's greatest joy was her children. She was incredibly proud of them and cherished every moment spent watching them grow and pursue their passions. Some of her happiest moments were simply listening to them sing and play the guitar. Sarah will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Preceding Sarah in death are her parents, Charles and Geraldine VanDerWoude; siblings, Christopher Meyers and Jennifer VanDerWoude; and her former husband and father of her children, Thomas John Kiebach. Surviving Sarah are her children, Summer Kiebach, Kaleb Kiebach, and Forrest Kiebach; siblings, Donald (Karen) Meyers, Jeanine Meyers, and Samantha (Berlis) Ortiz; and many special nieces and nephews.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at the Portland V.F.W. Post #4090 at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 12, 2026, all are welcome. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to Sarah VanDerWoude Memorial (GoFund Me). Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.