Van Zyl, Anna M. (Mrs. Ralph) 1894-1962

VANZYL, BONNECROY

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

Source: Alton Democrat (7-19-1962)

Born: March 28, 1894
Died: July 12, 1962

MRS. RALPH VAN ZYL CALLED ---FUNERAL AT ALTON MONDAY

Mrs. Ralph Van Zyl, a resident of Alton since her marriage in 1922 passed on without warning at her home Thursday, July 12, shortly before 1:00 P.M. She was taken ill only short time before medical attention was called and examination revealed no serious condition. However, she passed on soon after the doctor left the house. Her family and host of friends were deeply shocked.

Funeral services were held Monday at the United Presbyterian Church here, Reverend Preston officiating. Four ladies, Mesdames Richard Cambler, Fred Eason, Max Kiernan and Rodney Scholten, accompanied at the organ by Mrs. Ken Slothouber sang a favorite hymn of Mrs. Van Zyl “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” and a loved Dutch Psalm learned as a child, and well sung in the Holland language by four ladies. It was the first verse of Psalm 42, which was also used as a text for the funeral sermon: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”

Pallbearers were Richard Cambier, Gerrit Scholten, August De Boer, R.A. Poppen, SipSipma, and John Boer. Burial was in Nassau Township Cemetery.

Johanna "Anna" Magretta Bonnecroy was born March 28, 1894 in Orange City. She graduated from Northwestern Classical Academy there in 1912 and subsequently taught in a rural school for two years. Then she took a two year course in music at Cornell College Mount Vernon, Iowa. There after she taught two years each at Lisbon, Hospers, and Orange City.

November 16, 1922 she was married to Ralph Van Zyl of Alton and became a popular and valued member of the Alton community. Fir thirty years she played the piano and organ and had charge of the choir at the local Presbyterian Church and also taught several young girls to play church music, both piano and organ, and had charge of Sunday school music. She was an active member of the Ladies Aid Society. She taught a private class of piano pupils for many years.

Surviving are the widower, Mayor Van Zyl, a brother Jacob and his family, to whom Mrs. Van Zyl was deeply devoted, and a sister, Lyda, both of Orange City.

A memorial fund has been established to purchase a gift for the church to which Mrs. Van Zyl was so devoted and faithful.