WELLS, Mary Arleen (1922-2016)

WELLS

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/29/2017 at 11:39:22

Mary Arleen Wetherall Van Ryswyk Wells
(October 13, 1922 - September 10, 2016)

Saturday September 10, 2016 at 5:30 a.m. Mary took her final breath and entered into her eternal home. Many family members came to visit her throughout the 10 day struggle and she was never left alone. Her son, James, was there for her last moments of earthly life.
Mary was born on Friday October 13, 1922 to William Riley and Nellie Marie (Van Houten) Wetherall in Des Moines, Iowa. She was welcomed home by her 11 year old brother, William and later joined by brother Warren and sisters Helen and Marjorie. Mary attended school in Audubon and Knoxville. She was 13 years of age when her father died suddenly and she had to assume the household duties and care of her siblings while her mother worked. In later years she had to leave school to join the work force and assist her mother in providing for the family. In Knoxville Iowa on Sunday March 15, 1942 Mary and James Van Ryswyk were married. They lived in the Pleasantville area for a brief time before moving to a dairy farm south of Carlisle where they lived until moving into the town of Carlisle in 1967. James and Mary were blessed with three sons, James, Robert and Thomas. Mary was a great cook, gardener and crafter. She enjoyed being a farm wife and raising her sons as well as providing a temporary home for family members when needed.Moving to town Mary began working at Great Plains Bag Company in Des Moines. She and James enjoyed dancing and card playing with friends. They also loved fishing especially for trout in Missouri and deer hunting in Wyoming. July of 1979 sadness moved into Mary’s life with the loss of her husband James. She continued to work, attend meetings of the JFF Club (Just For Fun), and play cards with friends. January 28, 1984 was united in marriage to Gerald “Jack” Wells. They were able to travel to several states and enjoyed fun times together. Their life together was short as Jack died in 1990 and Mary found herself alone again. She continued to be active in her JFF Club and play cards with a group of ladies.Mary moved from the Well’s home in Carlisle to an apartment in Indianola where she enjoyed the activities with the other residents. Health issues brought her back to Carlisle to live at the Carlisle Center for Independent Living for several years before having to relocate to the Westview Care Center in Indianola which was her home the past two years.
Those who survive Mary are her sons, James (Pam Stebbeds) Van Ryswyk of rural Chariton, Robert (Mary Sue Enderson) Van Ryswyk of Carlisle and Thomas (Jeanna Ogden) Van Ryswyk of Florida, grandchildren, Danielle Van Ryswyk, David Van Ryswyk, Joshua Van Ryswyk and Tricia Van Ryswyk Stamper and foster grandchildren, Nga Baccam Burns, Vi Baccam and Oai Baccam.12 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren, nieces Rae Persyk, Kathy Wetherall and Mary Ellen Wetherall and nephews, William and Jerry Wetherall, sister-in-law, Mildred Van Ryswyk Maeschen and brother in law, Willard Van Ryswyk, a wealth of Van Ryswyk nieces and nephews and the family of Jack Wells.Mary was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husbands James and Jack, nephew Bill Morrison, Van Ryswyk niece, Anna Marie Metcalf and nephew, Fred and Jack Well’s children, Jamie Futrell, Gerald “Jerry” Wells and Marilyn Lang.

Memorial services will be Wednesday September 14 at 10:00 at the Pleasantville Cemetery with a luncheon following at the Carlisle Christian Church graciously provided by the ladies of the church. Pastor Clifford Haider with officiate. Peterson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.The family wishes to thank the staff of Westview Care Center for taking wonderful care of our mother, Kathy for making her hair pretty, the staff of Suncrest Hospice for providing extra care and attention to details and to Pastor Haider for all he has done for Mary and her family.