Ruth Ann Verploegh, 79, of Oskaloosa died Friday, April 14, 2017, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. She was born Saturday, March 19, 1938, in Oskaloosa, the daughter of Cornie and Ruth Adams Slycord. She graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1955.
Following school Ruth was united in marriage to Frank Myers; they later divorced. In 1959 Ruth was united in marriage to John Verploegh in Oskaloosa; John died December 6, 2011. Ruth worked as a scale operator at Kaiser's rock quarry for several years. She later worked as a CNA at Pleasant Park in Oskaloosa until her retirement in the early 1990s.
Ruth's children and grandchildren were her world. She loved crocheting, fishing, gardening, mushroom hunting, canning, ladies bowling league, and dancing to Elvis. Ruth also loved caring for the rabbits, chickens, sheep, and various other animals they raised on the farm. She also enjoyed riding horses. She served on the PTA in Eddyville.
Ruth is survived by three sons: Rodney (& Sherri) Myers of Evans, Terry Myers of Oklahoma, and Jerry (& Kim) Myers of Oskaloosa; two daughters: Deborah (& Randy) Myers-DeWitt of Lacey and Kim Johnson of Ottumwa; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and four brothers: Paul, Merle, Donald, and Wayne Slycord.
As was her wish, Ruth's body has been cremated, and no visitation is planned. Graveside services and burial will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at 10:30 A.M. in Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa, with Father John Spiegel officiating.
January 26, 1934 - April 4, 2022
Obituary for Wilbur "Willie" Verploegh
Wilbur "Willie" Verploegh, 88, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, April 4, 2022, at the Northern Mahaska Nursing and Rehab Center in Oskaloosa. He was born January 26, 1934, in Eddyville, Iowa, the son of Christian and Gertrude Cornelison Verploegh. Early on he helped his dad on the family farm where they farmed with horses. He attended country school and went on to graduate from Eddyville High School. In 1953, he entered the United States Navy. His service in the Navy started at boot camp in San Diego, California. He served as a medic in the infirmary and pharmacy. In 1957, he was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to Eddyville.
On March 11, 1962, he was united in marriage to Donna Essary. To this union two boys were born, Doug and Dennis. Donna died on November 14, 2012, after 50 years of marriage. Willie worked at Bloom Builders for a short time. In 1959 he started working at Rolscreen (now Pella Corp.) in Pella. He retired from there in 1993, after 34 years of service. In retirement he drove school bus for Eddyville School district and worked in the office at Cunningham's in Oskaloosa retiring from those roles in 2018.
He was a member of the Gateway Church of the Nazarene in Oskaloosa, the V.F.W., American Legion Eddyville Post 418, and the Moose Club. He was an active member of the Oskaloosa Eagles where he served in many capacities including BINGO caller over the years. He enjoyed woodworking, traveling to Eagles functions, family vacations, and golfing at Elmhurst Country Club.
His family includes his two sons, Doug (Tawnya) Verploegh and Dennis Verploegh both of Oskaloosa; a grandson, D.J. Verploegh; and a sister, Christina Mich of Oskaloosa; and three step grandchildren, Gary, Teeanna, and Jayden Overton.
In addition to his wife Donna, Willie was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters in law, Angel Verploegh and Gayle Verploegh; three brothers, Hank, John, and Christian Verploegh; a sister Anna Layman; and a brother-in-law, Carl Mich.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 10, 2022, at 4 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Pastor Andy Watts officiating. As was Willie's wish his body will be cremated following the funeral ceremony. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. The family will be at the Bates Funeral Chapel from two until service at four Sunday afternoon to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Children's Cancer Connection.
On March 11, 1962, she was united in marriage to Wilbur "Willie" Verploegh at Eldon, Iowa. Early on she stayed home with her two sons. Once they had both started school, she went to work for the Oskaloosa Herald and stayed there for over 20 years. She also worked at Kid's Corner, Pella Senior Meals, the Elks Lodge, and County Life Health Center. Lastly she worked the lunch shift at Julie's Café in Oskaloosa.
She was a very active member of the Oskaloosa Eagles Auxiliary #276, she served as state president from 1973-1974. Early on Donna enjoyed bowling. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, scratch tickets, Sudoku puzzles, and BINGO. Donna will be remembered as a fantastic cook.
Her family includes her husband of over 50 years Wilbur "Willie" Verploegh of Oskaloosa; two sons and their wives: Dennis and Gayle Verploegh and Doug and Nancy Verploegh all of Oskaloosa; a grandson: D.J. Verploegh of Oskaloosa; a brother: Albert "Billy" Essary of Arkansas; six sisters: Rachel (& Russ) Wehr of Yuma, Arizona, Alberta (& Charles) Cubbage of Douds, Iowa, Jane Rowe of Bloomfield, Iowa, Nancy (& Bill) Cloke of Burlington, Iowa, Peg (& Steve) Conte of Douds, and Barb (& Charlie) Neill of Ottumwa; and many nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter in law: Angel Verploegh.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 17, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Elder Steve Conte and Reverend Dave Childers officiating. As was Donna's wish her body has been cremated. Visitation will begin Friday after 1 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Friday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Donna Verploegh Memorial Fund.