Denlie-Rae Helen Anderson

Denlie‑Rae Helen passed away peacefully in her mother’s arms, into the waiting arms of her Savior Jesus Christ, on January 13th. Born premature on December 8th at 1:05 a.m., weighing a strong 2 lbs 13 oz, Denlie‑Rae continued to show her remarkable strength and personality throughout her days in the Helen DeVos NICU. Nurses were quick to describe her as strong, sassy, and feisty.

She was also known as a sweetheart who won the hearts of family members, nurses, and hospital staff who lovingly cared for her. Denlie enjoyed milk swabs—affectionately called “milk lollies”—and loved having her hands free to suck her fingers, rest them near her face, stretch them to the sky, or use them to let everyone know when she wanted her personal space.

She cherished being read to, with Silly Lullaby being the favorite shared by her and her sister. Her happiest and most peaceful moments came during speaker‑phone calls from her siblings, their visits—where the louder, the better—resting blanket‑less under the warm air, and being held gently against her mother, where she felt most at peace. Her good days of weight gain, grasping fingers, sharing smiles, raising her tiny brows, showing her spunk, and warming every heart will always be remembered.

Denlie‑Rae is survived by her parents, JD and Sarah Anderson; her siblings, Elijah, Thad, Marilla, Tyan, and Lareia; her grandparents; great‑grandmother; aunts; uncles; cousins; extended family; and friends.

Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Throop Funeral Home, 214 Church St. Coopersville, MI 49404. A funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 23, 2026 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 17150 88th Ave, Coopersville, MI 49404, with Fr. Michael Hodges celebrant. Burial will take place in Coopersville-Polkton Twp. cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Denlie‑Rae’s brief but beautiful life, the family invites memorial gifts to help with recent expenses. Gifts may be mailed to: JD and Sarah Anderson c/o The Zimmers 9192 Cleveland Street, Nunica MI 49448