Rus, Dorothy Jean (Vander Waal)

RUS, VANDER WAAL, TERLOUW

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 11/6/2006 at 20:53:44

Dorothy Jean Rus of Phoenix, AZ passed away on Friday, July 7, 2006 in Phoenix. Graveside funeral services were held on Monday, July 17, 2006 at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, AZ with Mr. Harold Jones officiating and eulogy by Julia Hahn.

Dorothy Jean was the oldest of three children bom to James and Christine Terlouw Vander Waal. She was bom March 12, 1921 at Kirkville. The family moved to the Pella area in 1930. "Dot", as she was known by many, graduated from Pella High School in 1939. She then taught for two years at the Pleasant Grove country school. Dorothy professed her faith in her Lord while attending the Third Reformed Church in Pella.

On August 5, 1941, Dorothy was married to Gerrit Rus at her parents' farm home near Pella. They became the parents of one son, Rodney John, who was bom September 1, 1945.

After they were married, Gerrit and Dot lived for a number of years on a farm near Peoria. They were members of the Peoria Christian Reformed Church and were involved in the community. Their friends and neighbors were important to them. In 1962, the family moved to the Phoenix, AZ area, and they appreciated very much the contacts made with them through the years by friends and relatives from the Peoria and Pella area who wanted to stay in touch with them.

All through the years, Dorothy was dedicated to her family, and their home in Phoenix was a haven for their family. She loved to read and was always interested in learning. In earlier years, they enjoyed music as a family. Dorothy was known for her letter-writing. Her letters were informative and often included clippings, pictures, and interesting tidbits of information. They were members of the Phoenix Christian Reformed Church. Though often there were health issues. God was her refuge, her strength, and her ever present help when she was troubled. She looked forward to the time when pain and illness would be no more.

During the past year, Dorothy lived at the Pepper Tree Square assisted living facility located in the Phoenix area.

Survivors include two brothers: John A. and Ruth Vander Waal of St. Louis, MO and Sidney Vander Waal of Springfield, MO, several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends, as well as a dear friend, Julia Hahn, who cared for Dorothy and helped her in many ways during her last years.

Preceding Dorothy in death were her parents, her husband Gerrit in March of 2003, and her son, Rodney John, one year ago on July 15, 2005.

Memorials may be given to the Phoenix CRC and/or Hospice Inspiris in memory of Dorothy Jean Rus.

The Pella Chronicle, August 18, 2006