Phyllis Vandervelde

Phyllis J. Vandervelde had a personality that shone like a beacon - beaming and hopeful for everyone around her. She was a selfless and giving person that never passed up another in need. Throughout her life, Phyllis was a model of devotion and love, a smart and funny lady who illuminated and touched many lives. She exemplified what a mother should be - generous, caring and a true friend. She was a gentlewoman who gave so much of her time and energy to other people, especially her family. Phyllis was a ray of sunshine for those close enough to feel her warmth.

In 1939 the world was embracing a period of great change. It was in that historic year that World War II started across the globe. As young president Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared neutrality in the United States, millions of Americans went on with their lives. Still holding on to the hopes of peace, Americans kept busy by visiting local cinemas to watch the landmark movie "Gone with the Wind." For Cecil White and Dorotha Albright of Green County, Iowa, 1939 was memorable for another reason. It was in that year on June 10, 1939, they welcomed a daughter, Phyllis, into their family. The family was "Pennsylvania Dutch" or rather German descent. Cecil White was a farmer, and Dorotha was a typical farmer's wife. In addition to her farm chores she was busy nurturing her children and watching them experience life.

Phyllis was the second of four children. She had two brothers, Keith and Duane, and a sister, Sharon. Keith, an older brother, was a special needs child who was not able to stay in the family home, but he always felt the love and warmth of his family. In a way, this made Phyllis the oldest child, and she felt a sense of responsibility to her family. She grew up driving tractors and milking cows. Phyllis attended school through the 6th grade in a small one room schoolhouse. She began attending a city school in a small farm town. Up until this time, her life focused on her chores on the farm. She was a true farm girl and proud of it!

The family attended the Methodist Church where the children learned values that would mold their character and give them the values they would carry with them into adulthood. In the 8th grade, her father took a job as a meat cutter in a grocery store in Indianola, Iowa. Phyllis did not want to move to town and become a "city slicker". She was a hard working country girl and wanted to stay that way forever. In the years to come, Phyllis would trade in her farm overalls for dresses and would never again wear jeans or overalls. However, she never forgot her roots and would always be proud of her farm background!

In Junior High School, Phyllis was quite the athlete. She was a guard on the school basketball team. These were the days when guards were only allowed to go half court, then stop. In high school Phyllis played intramural sports. Later in life she enjoyed playing catch with the boy's.

Throughout high school and college, in addition to her studies, Phyllis held down at least one job at all times. During the summer breaks, she would work as a legal secretary at a law firm. The work ethic she was ingrained with as a child, followed Phyllis throughout her life. She was never afraid of hard work and knew if you wanted to accomplish your goals, hard work was necessary. In college, she was known to hold down two and three jobs at a time! Whether Phyllis was waiting tables at the local diner, or typing secretarial work on the side, she was always working!

In high school, Phyllis met her future husband. She was a sophomore, he was a junior. His name was Richard Vandervelde and they quickly grew to be good friends. They had their first date after a high school basketball game at a local youth center.

After graduation, both Phyllis and Richard went off to college. They were both accepted at Simpson, a Methodist College, in Indianola, Iowa, the same town where Phyllis lived with her parents. Phyllis studied home economics and worked at the college as a student secretary. Ethel D. Anderson, her home economics professor, was a big influence on her life

While at Simpson, Phyllis wanted to pledge a National Sorority, Delta Delta Delta, but she didn't have enough money for the dues. She sold her coronet, the one she had played in high school, to get the money for the dues. She was ingenious and always found a way to finance her dreams.

Phyllis was quite the lady. She never owned a pair of jeans in college and always though her wardrobe was limited she was never underdressed for the occasion! She was not overbearing, but a very classy lady. Richard would beam when Phyllis was on his arm. She was one of the campus beauties and was first runner up in the Beauty Ball in College.

Their relationship continued to blossom through college and shortly before Richard was to graduate from Simpson, his parents came to visit. It was around Easter, springtime of 1960. Richard was so enamored with Phyllis, he wanted her to be his wife. Richard went downtown in Indianola to purchase an engagement ring. When he popped the question to Phyllis, she immediately said yes. After dating on and off for over seven years, the young couple made plans to marry.

On June 12, 1960, Phyllis became Richard's bride. They were wed by Richard's grandfather, and the minister at the Presbyterian Church in Indianola, Iowa. Phyllis was a beauty in a lovely wedding gown that she had made, and Richard was very proud and happy to be her husband.

They took a short honeymoon trip to Des Moines, Iowa, traveling in a borrowed car. They returned to reality after the brief honeymoon, and left for graduate school at the University of Iowa. Phyllis took a few classes at the University and worked as a legal secretary. Richard pursued his PhD in Mathematics.

In 1967, Richard graduated and they left for Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where Richard had obtained a teaching position. One of Richard's friends from graduate school, Eliot Tanis, was already teaching there. The two young couples became good friends, went to the same church, and raised their families together.

Phyllis and Richard lived in a rental home on 15th Street in Holland, until they bought their first home on 75 West 12th Street, across from their church and two blocks from what would become their children's school. They drove by the house on a Saturday and gave an offer on Monday, one hour after touring the home. It was also within walking distance of Hope College where Richard taught. It is still the family home today, but now in the Historic District of Holland.

Phyllis and Richard became the parents of two sons, Michael and Scott. Phyllis was a great mother and always put her children's need before her own. She ran the house with a flexible structure and abounding love. She was very affectionate, and would hug and kiss her sons on the way out of the house, and on the way back in (this continued with her children and grandchildren for the rest of her life). She was always waiting for them after school with a homemade treat, brownies or cookies, and would listen to the boys tell of their day at school. She woke up in the morning before anyone was up and went to bed long after everyone was asleep. She was very organized, neat and tidy.

As well as being a loving mother, she was a loving spouse. Her love for her family and her husband, was greater than anyone could imagine. She loved being with Richard and they spent many happy times together. From playing bridge together, to golfing, bowling, and walking on the beach, she and Richard were inseparable. They had some wonderful family memories of days spent at their beach home in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Phyllis was a lady who loved music. She sang in the Sanctuary choir at the Third Reformed Church in Holland. She was very involved in The Ruth Circle, which would meet at her house at 7 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month.

Phyllis, being a true lady, never raised her voice or yelled. She never used a swear word and about the worst thing she would say is, "Rats!" The family even had a "code word". If Phyllis were to say, a "mild swear word" on the phone, it meant there was trouble at the house and to call the police.

Phyllis ran her own business for over 30 years from her home. It was called "P & R Word Services". Starting in 1982, she worked very closely with a family friend, Dr. David Myers, a Physiology Professor at Hope College. Phyllis typed over 30 books, including at least 15 revisions of Myer's text books. And, she would never allow swear words to appear in any of the text books! Of this, she was adamant! The former President of Hope College, Gordon Van Wylen, also used Phyllis' services when he wrote his book.

She was not one to tell her sons what to do. However, she would say, "This is the way I would do it." Her children and her husband would listen to her, and in later years, Phyllis would say, "What does Grammy sayω" She was a non-judgmental and would never say an unkind word about anyone. But, she might say, "That's not what I would choose!" Her sense of humor and mild manner would delight everyone and she was a joy to be around.

On Sundays, they would eat dinner in the dining room. If you ate there during the week, it meant someone needed to be reminded of their manners. She would always make Richard and the boy's eat their vegetables.

When Phyllis became ill, she faced her challenges head on. Even though the pain was sometimes excruciating, she wore a smile on her face and tried to endure, never telling anyone she was ill until it became apparent to everyone. She handled her faith by example and influence, not by words.

Phyllis was on of Tiger Woods' biggest Fans. She was delighted that her Chemo schedule allowed her to attended The Ryder Cup matches with her family last fall. She was able to see Tiger practice and play in person.

Phyllis J. Vandervelde radiated love and kindness. She was a friend without conditions. She was optimistic and always saw the bright side of life. Her beaming face and bright smile will provide a wonderful memory for her family. Phyllis was a wife, mother and grandmother, and a woman of her own design. She accomplished much in her life and influenced many. She will be remembered as a vibrant woman who saw the world through the eyes of her family.

Phyllis J. Vandervelde of Holland, MI, died Sunday, April 10, 2005, in South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley, Alabama. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Richard Vandervelde of Holland, MI; Sons, Michael (Kendra) Vandervelde of McBain, MI., Scott (Stacie) Vandervelde of Irmo SC; three grandchildren, Gray, Tucker, and Alexis. Brothers; Keith White of Iowa, Duane (Irene) White of Illinois; and Sister, Sharon (Jerry) Rhoads of Illinois; In-laws, David and Lori Vandervelde of Colorado, Julie and Bob Leman of Colorado; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services are to be held at 12 p.m. Monday at The Third Reformed Church of Holland, MI with the Rev. Steven Stam officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery Holland, MI. Visitation will be held from 7- 9 p.m. Saturday, and Sunday from 2- 4 p.m. at the Mulder Chapel Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland, MI.

Please visit Phyllis' personal memory page at www.lifestory.com where you can order flowers online or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society, Holland Community Action House, or The Phyllis Vandervelde Scholarship Fund at Hope College.