Vos, Marie Johanna (Branderhorst) 1919-2005

VOS, BRANDERHORST, VAN RYSWYK

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 9/16/2005 at 20:45:05

Marie Johanna Branderhorst, the oldest of ten children born to Gerrit and Evalena Van Ryswyk Branderhorst, was born on Dec. 5, 1919, in Mitchellville. She attended country grade school at Prairie City completing the eighth grade. At an early age, Marie made her profession of faith at the Prairie City Christian Reformed Church.

On Aug. 30, 1939, she married John M Vos, son of Marinus and Alice Arkema Vos, at Prairie City. They had five children, Melvin Leroy, Carolyn Mae, Alvin Wayne, John Lee and Robert Alan. John and Marie farmed in the Prairie City area until moving to Pella in 1961, when John began his career in construction, and eventually became the construction supervisor with Vermeer Manufacturing Company.

Marie worked for a short time as a nurse's aide at the Pella Nursing Home and for many years as a ward clerk. She dedicated 19 years working at the Pella Community Hospital. In 1990, John and Marie moved from their home to Pella Manor. Marie continued to live at the Pella Manor until April 2002, when her health needs necessitated more advanced care.

Marie died at Jefferson Place Nursing Center on Sept. 4, at the age of 85.

Those left to cherish her memory are her five children and their families. They are: Melvin and Jean Vos of Centennial, Colo.; Carolyn and Arvin Vander Wilt of Pella; Wayne and Tena Vos of Prospect, Ore.; John and Chris Vos of Annapolis, Md. and Robert and Mary Jane Vos of Redondo Beach, Calif. Of her original family, Marie leaves sisters, Mildred and William Vander Hoek of Monroe, Esther and Dr. William Wellington of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Pearl and Riley Van Zee of Newton; brothers, William and Jennie Branderhorst of Newton, Marvin and Pauline Branderhorst of Pella, Gerrit R. and Willa Branderhorst of Pella; and brother-in-law, Case Van Soelen of Sully.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; and her siblings, Dorothy (Albert) De Koning, Wilma M. (Harold) Van Zee, Leona Van Soelen and two infant siblings, Esther and John. Marie was a charter member of Calvary Christian Reformed Church, where she was active in Ladies Societies and in the care giver program.

Funeral services were held Sept. 9 at the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella.

Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery in Pella.

Memorials may be made to the Bible League or the Christian Opportunity Center.

The Knoxville Journal Express, September 15, 2005