Gertrude Moss

Gertrude (Bouma) Moss was born November 1, 1910 in Hull, Iowa, to Bert and Mary (Gritters) Bouma. She attended country school and later the Christian school of Hull, completing the eighth grade. Her family moved for a short time to Martin, South Dakota, when she was a young lady. Later they returned to Hull, where she worked in many homes as a hired girl.

Gertrude was united in marriage to John Moss at her parents home in Hull on January 24, 1934. Gertrude and John farmed southwest of Carmel where they raised their family of seven children. They retired in 1974 and moved to Carmel. John preceded her in death on December 10, 1980.

Gertrude was a devoted mother and homemaker. She enjoyed giving Artex painting parties, making ceramics, crocheting and was active in a local homemakers club. She was a member of Carmel Reformed Church and was active in the Ladies Aides Circle. In the later years, she enjoyed Bible studies and playing games with friends in her home. Gertrude took great pleasure in spending time with family and loved get-togethers with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For the past six years she was cared for in her home by a special friend, Janis Van't Foort along with assistance from many others. She spent the last two weeks at the Sioux Center Community Nursing Facility where she passed away on February 11, 2005, at the age of 94.

Left to cherish her memory are her six children and spouses: Alvin & Grace Moss of Litchfield Park, AZ; Neal & Trina Moss of Sioux Center; Mary & John Van Middendorp of Sioux Center; Myron & Fran Moss of Sioux Center; Eileen & Ken A. Kooima of Rock Valley; Harlan & Pat Moss of New Bern, NC along with her 30 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren. Gertrude is also survivied by one sister, Hattie Te Grotenhuis of Sioux Center; one brother, Otto Bouma of Hull; three sisters-in-law, Grace Bouma of Rock Valley; Francis (Mrs. Edward) Moss Joplin, MO; Tracy (Mrs. Simon) De Jong of Sioux Center and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, John Moss; a son, Leslie Wayne Moss; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers: Peter B. Bouma, John Bouma and three sisters: Della Krommendyk, Bertha Van Surksum, Jeanette Van Beek; along with 14 brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law.