- Date Of Birth: January 15, 1921
- Date Of Death: July 17, 2011
- State: Iowa
Esther Wilma Overbergen Roorda was born near Leighton, Iowa, in Mahaska County, on January 15, 1921, to Lambertus and Martha (De Bruin) Overbergen. Her older brother, Raymond, welcomed her into their busy farm home. Esther was educated in the Black Oak Center School, where she graduated from the eighth grade in 1934.
As a young girl, Esther helped her parents on their farm and worked for many neighbors and friends as a housekeeper. She especially enjoyed helping out when new babies were born, and she found ample opportunities to do this, endearing herself to many people as she cared for their children.
As a young woman, Esther was engaged to be married to Lawrence Van Zee. When Lawrence was tragically killed while on active duty during World War II, Esther bravely went on with her life, filling the void left by Lawrence’s death by investing in and loving and serving others.
Esther became an excellent cook and baker. She blessed many people with her hospitality and wonderful homemade bread, cookies, candy, and other treats.
Following the deaths of her parents, Esther became employed at a local department store in Pella. Esther loved her work there and, once again, endeared herself to those she served.
On October 21, 1977, Esther married Henry C. Roorda. She moved from her life-long farm home to 415 Maple Street in Pella. Esther and Henry shared a wonderful life, working together, fishing together, and traveling together. They continued to bless all who knew them with their kindness and love.
Esther passed away peacefully on July 17, 2011, at Jefferson Place in Pella, at the age of 90 years. She was preceded in death by her father in 1957, her mother in 1970, her brother in 1941, her fiancé in 1943, her stepgrandson in 1996, and her husband in 2007.
Those who survive Esther and cherish her memory are the following: her stepson, Ervin (Andrea) Roorda of Mill Creek, Washington; her stepdaughter, Mary (Rich) Glendening of Pella; seven stepgrandchildren; several who claim Esther as their “other mother and grandmother” including the Al Van Roekel family; and a host of relatives and friends.
Esther will be remembered as a kind and loving woman. She made everyone feel special, never knew a stranger, and showed us all what Jesus is like by putting Him first and serving others selflessly in His name.
10:30 A.M., Thursday, July 21, 2011
Pella, Iowa
Starting at Noon, Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Family present 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at
Pella, Iowa
MEMORIALS
Hospice of Pella
Leighton, Iowa
FAMILY
Husband: the late Henry Roorda
Step-children: Ervin and Andrea Roorda – Mill Creek, WA
Mary and Rich Glendening – Pella, IA
