Elma May Beyer was born February 6,  1929, on one of her grandmother's farms in Fifield, Iowa. Elma was the middle child of Thomas J. and Corlena (Verwers) Bloodsworth,  known as "Sis."

Elma attended Pella schools. While she was in high school, her mother had a severe heart attack, so she quit school to take care of her mother. Elma worked at the Rolscreen, assembling Venetian blinds, went home at noon to take care of her mother, then back to work. She enjoyed her job and the ladies she worked with at Rolscreen. She was always included in the class of 1947 reunions.

While she was skating at the Pella roller rink,  Bob spotted  Elma and asked to take her home. That turned into a 71-year marriage. Bob and Elma were married November 30, 1948, at the Second Reformed Church in Pella. To this union two children were born: Vicky Lynn and Vance Leon.

For never wanting to marry a farmer or live on a farm, Bob and Elma raised their family on the family farm for 45 years. She was a creative, busy lady. She had a huge vegetable garden, sewed, and knit continually.  She learned how to swim at age 50, took great care of their grandchildren and had a wonderful time singing with the Gospel Heirs.

In 1994 they moved to Pella to live in the Historical Village. They enjoyed participating in all of the village activities. Bob and Elma cut Heritage lace in their own little "sweat shop" on the second floor of their home in the Historical Village. They also enjoyed taking care of their great grandchildren, entertaining friends and family, and traveling.

In 2019, Bob and Elma moved to The Cottages. They were quite the socialites; saying how busy they were with all the activities there.

Elma's family

Vicky L. (the late James) Kessler, Clive, Iowa

Kara (Ryan) Brooks

Sullivan, Whitaker, Carter

Vance (Dee) Beyer, Otley, Iowa

Sonya (Darren) Boot

Deacon, Devon, Savannah

Chad (Jennifer) Beyer

Ian Beyer, Ryan Steenhoek

Elma was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents Thomas and Corlena Bloodsworth, parents-in-law Arie and Marie Beyer, brother Virgil (Maxine) Bloodsworth, brother Clarence Bloodsworth MIA/KIA Korean Conflict, son-in-law James Kessler, great granddaughter Shaeleigh Boot, and Bob's brothers and sisters: Bertha and William Van Zee, Evelyn and William Rouw, Elizabeth and Herman Tuinstra

Gerrit and Bertha Beyer, Henry and Henrietta Beyer, and Alta Marie and Arthur De Raad.

Calvary CRC - Video Ministry

Hospice of Pella - Day of Care
Pella IA