Ethel De Weerd

      Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 14th at First Reformed Church in Sioux Center, IA, with Rev. Jamie Dykstra officiating.

      Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center.

      Visitation will be Tuesday, from 10:00 AM until the hour of service at the church.

     Ethel De Weerd was born April 22, 1927, the daughter of Gerrit and Anna (Draayer) De Weerd.  She was raised on the family farm southwest of Sioux Center and lived there most of her life.  At a young age Ethel’s mother died.  She attended country school and helped with the family farm.  She and Jo took over all the farm duties in the 60’s, when their father became ill.  Together they maintained a large vegetable and flower garden, milked cows, raised pigs and grew crops.  In 1991 the sisters quit farming but continued living on the home place.  Ethel and Jo moved to Franken Manor in 2013 and in 2016 Ethel moved to Royal Meadows and lived there until her death.

      Ethel loved music and taught herself to play the accordion and pump organ.  She was faithful at writing Christmas letters for friends and family and enjoyed making Christmas toys for her great-nieces and great-nephews.  She also kept a daily diary.  She was a lifetime member of First Reformed Church in Sioux Center.

      She is survived by three nephews and their wives: Gilbert and Mildred De Weerd of Ireton, Iowa, Wayne and Delma De Weerd and Rodney and Joanne De Weerd, all of Sioux Center, Iowa; as well as numerous great and great-great nephews and nieces.

      Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Albert and his wife, Rose De Weerd and Edward De Weerd; two sisters, Minnie De Weerd and Johanna De Weerd: and great nephew, Terry De Weerd.