Marla Kay Schiebout, 65, of Pella, died on October 17, 2016, at home. She was born to Bob and Dorothy Monsma on September 12, 1951, in Oskaloosa. She was the second of five children and grew up in Pella. Marla was a natural caretaker from a young age and she enjoyed spending time with her family playing rook, climbing trees and playing catch in the backyard.

Marla was a very active youth; she played softball, basketball, ran track and was an excellent student. She also played bass clarinet and was a member of All-State band before she graduated from Pella Christian High School in 1969. Marla studied nursing in college and graduated from St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois in 1973. After graduation, she backpacked through Europe with friends and went to Kenya with the Peace Corp. She found a job as a transplant nurse in Denver, Colorado, where she met Bruce through mutual friends. They married in 1976 and were blessed with five children: Zechariah, Leah, Reuben, Orpah and Michal. Bruce and Marla lived in Minnesota for 11 years before relocating to Pella in 1987. She obtained her Master's Degree in Nursing in 2005. Marla worked for 23 years as Head of Health Services at Pella Corporation before retiring in 2011.

Marla was a selfless wife, mother and Oma. Every time all of her children and grandchildren came home, she effortlessly fed the masses. Sunday lunches were a family favorite because of her delicious homemade lasagna and French bread. Family birthdays were always celebrated with her homemade chocolate cake. Every time a grandchild was born, she joyfully stayed with the family and helped care for their needs, armed with meals aplenty and baby blankets she had sewn. She delighted in her grandchildren and every year on their birthday, they would look forward to a "date with Oma."

Marla was an expert sale shopper and loved picking out items for her loved ones. She had a fondness for Smart Wool socks and her husband's, children's and grandchildrens' sock drawers reflect this. They always looked forward to opening their sock stocking stuffer at Christmas. Marla always took an active interest in others and was an outstanding listener. Marla also enjoyed gardening and was quick to share the fruits of her labor with others. Marla had a generous spirit, but her bowl of popcorn was off limits to others. Other culinary delights she disliked sharing included coffee, corn on the cob, watermelon and ice cream.

The most important thing about Marla is that she became a believer during her childhood and never remembered a day without Christ as her Savior and Lord. Marla was truly a humble servant. Though we rejoice that she is in Glory with her King, she will be greatly missed by her husband of almost 40 years, five children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren and many other family members and friends.

Marla is survived by her husband Bruce Schiebout of Pella, five children and 17 grandchildren:

Zechariah and Rachelle Schiebout of Pella and their children: Miriam, Abigail, Keilah, Nahshon and Jude

Leah and Anton Heuss of Dallas, Texas, and their children: Aven and Charis

Reuben and Holly Schiebout of Pella and their children: Mara, Asher, Meres and Titus

Orpah and Nathan Jensema of North Liberty and their children: Judah, Corban, Ezra and Isaac

Michal and Aaron Nunnikhoven of Leighton and their children: Micah and Lydia. Marla is also survived by her father Robert Monsma of Pella, siblings: Rhonda Scott of Denver, Colorado; David Monsma of Denver Colorado; and Paul Monsma of Pella.

Marla was preceded in death by her mother Angeline Dorothy Monsma, sister Sandra Van Kooten, and granddaughter Grace Nunnikhoven.

Visitation

2:00 P.M., Friday, October 21, 2016
5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., with family present
Garden Chapel Funeral Home, Pella, Iowa

Funeral Service

10:30 A.M., Saturday, October 22, 2016
Covenant Reformed Church

Memorials

Pella Christian Schools
Pathways of Pella

Family

Husband: Bruce Schiebout, Pella
Children: Zechariah and Rachelle Schiebout, Pella
Leah and Anton Heuss, Dallas, Texas
Reuben and Holly Schiebout, Pella
Orpah and Nathan Jensema, North Liberty
Michal and Aaron Nunnikhoven, Leighton