VanVuuren, Mary Margaret Mrs. Arie 1928-2010

VANVUUREN, ALONS

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/7/2010 at 11:43:08

Mary Margaret Van Vuuren
Mary Van Vuuren was born on April 7, 1928 to Louis and Elizabeth Alons in Hospers. She was raised in a Christian home and farmed with her brothers and sisters and also attended the Christian school. She then worked in Denver and eventually ended up in California.
It was in Bellflower where she found her love and on September 16, 1954 she married Arie Van Vuuren. After their wedding in Hospers they returned to Lakewood, California. A daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) was born a year later, followed in 1958 by a son, Arlen, and in 1962, another son, Dale.
Mary was a devoted homemaker, and with her husband Arie, raised the family simply, making Christ the center of their families lives. For a few years Mary worked with Arie as janitors for Valley Christian Jr. High School.
Mary’s faith and courage grew when Arie was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and she lovingly cared for him at home until he went to heaven in May, 1990. Facing life alone was not easy, but she found strength and purpose in choosing ways to be involved with her church and friends and volunteered at Artesia Christian Home and Affordable Treasures. She enjoyed being with her family whenever possible, which meant occasional flights to Idaho and Arizona for visits with both Arlen and Dale’s family, and to South Dakota and Iowa to visit her family. She was also blessed to have made several trips abroad with friends, including the Panama Canal, Israel, Branson and a tour of the Southern States. Her daily walking
definitely helped her on these trips!
It was in the last four years that her health declined to the point of needing assisted living at the Artesia Christian Home, with the last two years spent in the Skilled Nursing Unit. She received loving care from the nurses there, for which we are very grateful and it was there, at the Christmas party, where she took her last breath as Christmas carols were sung.
Mary is survived by her children: Liz & Steve Knapp of Lakewood, CA; Arlen & Linda Van Vuuren of Idaho & Dale and Brenda Van Vuuren of Arizona. Her grandchildren. Jamie (Knapp) and Eric Vos, Steven Knapp, Lana Padilla, Oscar Padilla, Danielle Van Vuuren, Jordan Van Vuuren, Lucas Van Vuuren great-grandchildren: Mackenzie and Chandler Vos, Carly and Kenneth Scott & Myrrah Padilla. Her sisters and brothers: Art and Rosie Alons of Sheldon, IA., Dan & Henrietta Alons of Hospers, IA., Maggie and Harlin Doorenbos of Sioux Center, IA., Bernie and Cindy Alons of Denton, TX.
Mary was preceeded in death by husband Arie, a sister Mary and a brother Bernard, both at a very young age.
Source: Siouxland Press, 1-6-2010