Obituary of Vander Werff

Memorial Tribute Helen Stephena Vander Werff, daughter of Albert and Alice (Snieder) DeWit, was born at Rock Valley, IA on October 31, 1921. She spent her youth in the Rock Valley and Hull, IA area, attending Rock Valley Christian School through the 8th grade. Following her education, Stephena worked at home, helping maintain the family household. During WWII, she moved to Colorado and cooked at an Army hospital there. When she returned home, she was employed at the hospital in Hull, IA in the dietary department. Her expertise with food preparation took her to Grand Rapids, MI where she cooked at the Bethany Children's Home. On August 10, 1966, Stephena was united in marriage to Cornelius Vander Werff at Sanborn, IA. They made their home in Sanborn, attending the Christian Reformed Church. Stephena belonged to the CRC Women's Afternoon Bible Study group and liked to participate in the many lively discussions brought up at the meetings. She had a real heart for missions, being actively involved in making quilt tops for the effort. She also supported many outreach programs through the church. With all her years of experience in the kitchen, Stephena always enjoyed baking something good to eat for family and friends. Other free time found her happily working away at the sewing machine. She passed from this life on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at the age of 94. Preceding her in death were her parents, Albert and Alice DeWit; her husband, Cornie; two brothers: Harold DeWit and John Elmer DeWit; sisters: Margaret Meendering and Adrianna Dokter. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Helene Vander Werff of Wentworth, SD, Donna (Gilbert) Denny of Hartley, IA, Richard (Joy) Vander Werff of Sanborn, IA, Carol (Gary) Hofman of Sioux Falls, SD, and Sandra (Dale) DeJong of Richland, MI; a sister: Betty Vander Griend of Sioux Center, IA; 13 grandchildren and their spouses; 30 great-grandchildren; several sisters and brothers-in-law; a special friend of the family, Carol De Schepper of Wentworth, SD; other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life Helen Stephena Vander Werff Born ~ October 31, 1921 Died ~ January 31, 2016 Age ~ 94 years 3 months Funeral Service Friday, February 5, 2016 ~ 10:30 a.m. Christian Reformed Church Sanborn, Iowa Clergy ~ Rev. Al Van Dellen Organist ~ Alvina Krikke Musical Tributes Jill Vander Werff "On Eagle's Wings" Men's Quartet "How Great Thou Art" Congregational Singing Processional ~ "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" Recessional ~ "By The Sea Of Crystal" Pallbearers Matthew Denny Brian Denny Justin Vander Werff Brent Vander Werff Rich Vander Werff Rodney Buren Ushers Lee Van Tol ~ Raymond Elgersma Interment Roseland Cemetery Sanborn Iowa <iframe id="tukios_player_512x330" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="330" scrolling="no" src="https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/2CQJ76GRQGCWWFNK" width="512"></iframe>