Van Hall, Betty (Groenendyk)

VAN HALL, GROENENDYK, VAN DE WALL

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/15/2005 at 22:54:12

Funeral services for Betty Van Hall, 53, of Leighton, were held Aug. 8 at Leighton Christian Reformed Church. The Rev. Alvin Bandstra officiated and the Rev. Michael Hardeman assisted. Lisa Groenendyk was the organist.

Committal services were held at Evergreen Cemetery in Leighton with the Rev. William Van Hall presiding. Casket bearers were Stephen Kelly, Kevin Chamberlain, Donald De Wit, Steve Rozenboom, Ralph Stout, Marty Williams, Bernard Hardeman, Henry Van Roekel. Honorary bearers were Dr. Marvin Van Hal and Dr. Bernard Van Hal.

On February 24, 1950, Betty Jane Groenendyk was born in Oskaloosa. She grew up in Tracy, where her parents, Charles Paul and Beulah Van De Wall Groenendyk, lived. She graduated from Twin Cedars High School at Bussey in1968.

On August 9, 1968, Edward Van Hal and Betty were united in marriage at the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa. To this union they added a family of five daughters: Brenda Joy who was born on December 17, 1969, Sherrie Lynn who was born on March 26, 1971, Jolene Marie who was born on August 16, 1977, Esther Ann who was born on November 20, 1981, and Evelyn Amber who was born on July 8, 1984. One year after their marriage the family moved to New Holland, South Dakota. In 1972, they and their two oldest daughters returned to Iowa where they made their home in Leighton, for the remainder of their married life.

The family became members of the Leighton Christian Reformed Church in Leighton where Betty taught Sunday School, led Calvinettes and Gems, and was a member of the Ruth Circle.

She also had various jobs over the years and was currently working at the Country Inn and Suites in Pella. On February 17, 2003, she was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. While undergoing her initial treatment for the illness, her husband, Ed, was involved in a tragic auto accident on February 20, 2003. He sustained fatal injuries and passed away 16 days following his 58th birthday. Betty continued undergoing chemotherapy treatments at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, and passed away on August 4.

Betty is survived by her five daughters: Brenda J. Van Hal of DeMotte, Ind.; Sherrie L. and her husband, Stephen Kelly of Ripon, Calif.; Jolene M. Van Hal of West Des Moines; Esther A. Van Hal of Ames; and Evelyn A. Van Hal of Leighton, and one grandson. She also is survived by her parents, C.P. (Bud) and Beulah Groenendyk and her older sister, Susan Faye Kersbergen all of Tracy.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Edward A. Van Hal, and her younger brother, Kenneth Paul Groenendyk.

The Pella Chronicle, August 18, 2003