Alice VanEss

September 17, 1920 - January 30, 2022

Alice VanEss, age 101, passed away peacefully in Monroe, Washington on January 30 with loved ones by her side. She was born September 17, 1920 in Ureterp, Holland to Hendrik and Siebregje (Tolsma) Roeters. Alice grew up on a dairy farm. She attended school in Oudeskoot in the Netherlands. After World War II Alice married Jentje (Jim) VanEss and they emigrated to the United States, landing on Ellis Island with nine dollars to their name. They travelled west by train and first resided in Hoquiam, WA, then Carnation, and finally bought and settled on a dairy farm in Monroe, WA.

Alice was a homemaker, and mom to 8 children. She was known for serving coffee and goodies to anyone who came to deliver feeds or provide services on the farm. Her picnic cooler lunches and dinners for the summer haying crew were anticipated by all.

Alice was a long time active member of the Christian Reformed Church and was also involved in many activities in the Monroe Christian School. She was a woman of quiet faith and trust in Jesus, her Lord and Savior. Her greatest desire and prayer was for her loved ones to also have a relationship with her Lord.

In 1995 Jim and Alice retired and moved to town. They enjoyed working in their yard, entertaining guests, and travelling to visit friends and family.

Jim passed away in 2002; and in 2009 Alice relocated to Sanborn, Iowa to be nearer to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed making new friends and joining in activities at her home in Prairie View Manor Independent Living. In 2020 Alice returned to Monroe to reside with her daughter and son-in-law, Sylvia and Henry Miedema.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jim VanEss, daughter Frieda Kooiker, daughter-in-law Sharron VanEss, son-in-law George Geertsma, and grandchildren Jimmy and Scotty Kooiker.

Alice is survived by her children; Dan, Pearl Geertsma, Sylvia (Henry) Miedema, Geri (Meese) Smeenk, Henry (Shannon), Marie (Dale) Boersema, Harv (Lisa), and son-in-law Harlyn Kooiker. She also leaves behind 36 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 10am to 12pm at the Purdy & Kerr with Dawson Funeral Home, 409 W. Main St., Monroe. Graveside service will follow at 1pm at The Odd Fellows Cemetery, 21714 Old Owen Rd., Monroe. A Celebration of Life will be held Easter weekend, April 16, 2022 at 1pm at the New Hope Fellowship Church, 1012 West Main St., Monroe.

Memorials may be made to Monroe Christian School, 1009 W. Main St., Monroe, WA 98272 or Sanborn Christian School, 405 W. 2nd St., Sanborn, IA 51248.