Rooda, Francene P. (Westerkamp) 1935-2005

ROODA, WESTERKAMP, HEIMSTRA, WHITEHEAD, VAN SOELEN, RUCKS, BRAND, VOS, VAN DYKE

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 8/21/2005 at 15:48:54

Francene P. Rooda passed away on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2005, Private graveside services & burial were held at West Liberty Cemetery near Searsboro.

Memorials may be made to Mahaska County Hospice. Harden Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Francene P. Rooda was born on October 17th, 1935 in Mahaska County, IA, the daughter of Peter H. and Nellie Heimstra Westerkamp. A 1953 graduate of Pella Christian High School, Francene was united in marriage to Gerrit G. Rooda on June 10th of that year at the Peoria Christian Reformed Church. They farmed in the Otley and Monroe areas before settling on the farm east of Searsboro. They added their own dairy operation in 1975.

Francene was an active member of the New Hope Community Church in Pella, was a member of the Bunker Hill Community Club in Searsboro, several local and state horse associations, and was very involved in the activities of her grandchildren. She enjoyed being on her farm with her horses and spending time with her family.

Francene's memory is honored by her mother, Nellie Westerkamp of Pella; her two sons, Gary Rooda of Illinois and Grant Rooda and wife Sue of rural Searsboro; her four daughters, Norma Whitehead of Pella, Gayla Van Soelen and husband Scott of Sully, Fonda Rucks and husband Mike of Vermillion, SD, and Heidi Brand and husband Cory of rural Searsboro. Also surviving are her brother, Howard Westerkamp of Pella; two sisters, Mildred Vos of Reasnor and Norma Van Dyke of Pella; and her ten grandchildren, Adam and Megan Whitehead, Trisha Rooda and Channing Rucks, Teneil and Trustin Rooda, and Jeremy, Justin, Jarryd and Jacie Van Soelen.

Francene was preceded in death by her father.

The Pella (IA) Chronicle, August 11, 2005