Cornelia VanderPloeg, age 90, of the Otley/Monroe area passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at the Comfort House in Pella.

Cornelia was born on February 7, 1920 to Henry & Sientje Van Oenen on their little farm south of Pella. She was the fourth of five daughters. In her early 20's, Edwin VanderPloeg, a handsome, clever, farmer from Otley caught Mom's eye. Dad was drafted in WWII and stationed in San Antonio, Texas, so Mom followed him to Texas where they were married on June 30, 1942. After the war, they made their home on the V.P. family farm three miles west of Otley.

Cornelia thrived as a farmer's wife - she had a huge garden, was a wonderful cook, and kept a clean house. She loved to get together with her sisters' families. Mom told us only two of us were planned, but later in life she was glad to have all of us. Her children are: Beverly Romick of Monroe, Dale & Ray Kingery of Iowa City, Ruth and Gary McConeghey of Ankeny, and Lynn VanderPloeg of Otley.

Mom had a Godly helping and caring spirit, and was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Monroe. Mom had a heart for those in need (both people and animals). Many unwanted animals found a loving home with her on the farm.

Family that preceded Mom in death are her husband Edwin Vander Ploeg; and her sisters and their spouses: Lizzie Sytsma (Murray) of Leighton, Cobie DeZwarte (Aber) of Pella, Anna DeJong (Henry) of Pella, and baby sister Elsie Terpstra (Cecil) of Pella.

Greatly loved grandchildren and their families who will miss her are: Michele, Bob, Andrew, Tyler, & Kelsey Smith of Idaho; Ben, Liat, Ethan, & Eli Romick of California; Larry Kingery of Florida; Lidya Martens & Jackson of Iowa City; Andrea, J.B., Abby, & Carson of Norwalk; and Luke, Alicia, Bryson, & Logan of Kansas City.

We'll miss you Mom, Grandma, & Great-Grandma, but we know you were ready to go to heaven. Your memory will always be in our hearts.

FUNERAL SERVICES

2:30 P.M., Saturday, July 31, 2010
First Baptist Church
Monroe, Iowa

VISITATION

1:00 P.M. until the time of the service
Saturday, July 31, 2010
First Baptist Church
Monroe, Iowa

MEMORIALS

First Baptist Church - Monroe, Iowa
Hospice of Pella

FAMILY

Husband: the late Edwin VanderPloeg
Children: Beverly Romick - Monroe
Dale (Ray) Kingery - Iowa City
Ruth (Gary) McConeghey - Ankeny
Lynn VanderPloeg - Otley

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