Velda DeMoss

A service for Velda Josephine DeMoss was held 3:00 p.m., July 18, at the Rippey United Methodist Church. Visitation was held after 1:00 p.m. with family present 5-7 p.m. on July 18, at the church. Hastings Funeral Home in Perry was in charge of these arrangements. Pastors Paul Burrow & Deb Parkinson provided words of comfort. Honorary bearers were: Dennis Ulrich, Kevin Hick, Bob Van Gundy, Dan Johnson, Jay Williams, Michael Borgeson, Jason Grow, Haven Hick, Dale Hanaman, Gail Monthei, Roy Bardole and all who have supported me through my cancer experience. Myron Rinker and Phil Roberts were ushers. Marjorie Vannatta was the organist, Eulyn Riemersma was the pianist, Congregational Entrance was #2158 Just A Closer Walk, Brenda Roberts sang Find Us Faithful, Church Choir sang The New 23rd Psalm, Dick Bardole & Brenda Roberts did The Lord’s Prayer, and Congregational Recessional was #593 Here I Am Lord. Interment took place at the Rippey Cemetery. Following the service at the cemetery was a luncheon at the Rippey United Methodist Church.

Velda Josephine DeMoss, daughter of Melvin Vern Derry and Lorene Yvonne Johnson Derry, was born May 7, 1940 in Rippey and died July 15, 2014 in Jefferson at the age of 74. She was raised in the Rippey area, moving to four different farm locations in Washington Township before graduating from Rippey High School in 1958. She was active in basketball and music during her school years. The 1950’s was a good time to be growing up in rural Iowa, with memories of farm life and work as well as trips to Rippey for summer band concerts and stops at Thornburgh’s Café. In 1959 Velda married her high school classmate, Lloyd DeMoss. In 1966 Velda and her sons Craig, Joel Patrick, Marc and Shawn returned to Rippey, where they lived in a home located on her parents farm that her great-grandfather, John Morain, had purchased in 1876. Velda had three jobs during her working years. She was a bookkeeper for a construction company, she worked for a seed company as office help for 12 years and her last employment was nearly 18 years as direct care staff at Woodward State Hospital. Velda continued to live on the farm, enjoying country life and the Rippey community. She was an active member of the Rippey United Methodist Church, serving on the church board, singing in the choir and taking part in Ladies Aid. While her children attended Sunday school, she was a Sunday school teacher. She was on the Rippey Library board of trustees and was president of the organization, Friends of Rippey. She took an active role in the Rippey alumni annual meeting. In the past Velda assisted with the Rippey Little Theatre and was part of the formation of a Junior Federated Club. She was president of the Greene County Historical Society at the county level. She also participated in the annual Rippey Cemetery Memorial Day Services and saw that all were fed afterward. Velda enjoyed her water aerobics friends, lovingly naming the group “The Chunky Dunkers”.  As the “Mouth of Rippey” she kept her many readers updated. Being very ambitious while working full time in Woodward, she helped Pat. She later operated the café with friend Jay Williams for two more years. Her love of community shone through in many, many ways.  She enjoyed “Therapy Sessions” at ToJo’s in Jamaica; lunches with friends; and formed a local Red Hats group which grew to include friends from a wide area.  One tradition she started and dearly loved, was feeding the Central College Football team at the church every other season as they passed through on their way home to Pella after playing Buena Vista College in Storm Lake.  Over the years Velda enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s school and sports activities.

Velda was preceded in death by her parents, M. Vern and Lorene Derry; step mother Mary Derry; and sister-in-law Melba Derry. Velda is survived by her four sons: Craig DeMoss (Jackie) of St. Joseph, MO, Joel Patrick DeMoss of Rippey, Marc DeMoss (Shannon) of Rockwell City, IA and Shawn DeMoss (Lori) of Rippey,  daughter-in-law Beth DeMoss of Jefferson, seven grandchildren: Karli DeMoss (fiancé Marshall Louk), Derek DeMoss, Kyle DeMoss (Emily), Bryce DeMoss (fiancée Kari Bodholt), Zach DeMoss, Michael DeMoss and Hannah DeMoss, two great-grandchilden: Zelda DeMoss and  Gabe DeMoss;  two brothers: LaVere Derry (Bev) and Chuck Derry all of Rippey; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.

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