Bolt, Maggie Matilda (Vander Wilt) 1911-2007

BOLT, VANDER WILT, VAN ZEE

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/20/2008 at 20:38:27

Maggie Matilda Vander Wilt was born on Dec. 10, 1911, in the Bethel neighborhood northwest of Pella, in Marion County. She was the last of eight children born to William and Jennie Van Zee Vander Wilt.

The family moved to Prairie City in 1914 where Margaret, as she became known, graduated from grade school. She completed her formal education, graduating from the Grundy Center High School in Grundy Center.

While attending high school there, Margaret met Ralph Lambert Bolt, a son of Rev. Ralph and Anna Vander West Bolt. On Sept. 6, 1934, they were united in marriage at the home of her parents in Pella. To this union two daughters were born: Shirley Ann and Mary Lou.

Following their marriage Margaret and Ralph lived in Monroe for a short time before they settled in Des Moines. Ralph worked as a specialized meat cutter in Des Moines while Margaret was employed at Kresge Department Store for 31 years. She worked as a clerk in the cards and ribbons department and later in the office where she was responsible for the hiring of employees.

Following their retirement in 1980 they returned to Pella where they lived the remainder of their lives. They enjoyed traveling together and made many trips to the states of Texas and Alabama. They also enjoyed walking. Ralph passed away on Sept. 28, 2002, at the age of 93. Following his death, Margaret capably continued living in their residence at Grandview Apartments. It was there that she passed away under Hospice care on Monday afternoon, July 9, 2007, at the advanced age of 95.

Margaret is survived by her two daughters: Shirley A. and her husband, Rev. Kenneth Havert of Grandville, Michigan; Mary L. and her husband, Larry Bogaard of Leighton; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Margaret was the last surviving member of her original family and leaves just one sister-in-law, Gladys (Marvin) Bolt of Grandville, Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Ralph L. Bolt; her parents: William and Jennie Vander Wilt; her parents-in-law, Rev. Ralph and Anna Bolt; her sisters: Sarah Vander Wilt, Wilhelmina (Gerrit) De Graaf, Jennie (Peter) Hugen, and Nettie (Albert) Engbers; her brothers: Richard Vander Wilt, Gerrit Vander Wilt and Anthony Vander Wilt; and the following sisters-in-law: Sophia (Bolt) Sjaardema, Delia Bolt and Jessie (Bolt) Vander Werf; and a brother-in-law, Marvin Bolt.

Margaret, along with her late husband, Ralph, were some of the individuals responsible for the establishment of the Des Moines Christian Reformed in Des Moines where they became charter members. After moving to Pella, they became members of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church where they attended faithfully the remainder of their lives.

Margaret was an avid cleaner and enjoyed raising flowers.

The Knoxville Journal Express, August 3, 2007