- Violet Ruth Boot, the first-born child of Ralph G and Nellie (Van Den Berg) Kuiper, was born on a farm near Pella, Iowa, on June 17, 1932. Violet attended the European #3 Country School and Pella Community High School, graduating with the Class of 1950. She took classes at Central College for a time, completing all those she enjoyed, primarily bookkeeping. On July 29, 1952, Violet was united in marriage to Arvin Gene Boot at Third Reformed Church. Soon after, in May of 1953, Arvin was drafted into the U.S. Army. While Arvin attended radar school at Fort Bliss, Violet was able to join him, living in their tiny but tidy trailer in El Paso, Texas. Violet returned home to Iowa while Arvin served nine months in Japan, receiving and writing daily letters. Following Arvin’s discharge, Arvin and Violet returned to the family farm north of Pella. There, they were blessed with two daughters, Kaylene in 1957 and Beth Ann in 1962. Sadly, in December 1964, Kaylene was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and passed away on May 8, 1965, at the young age of eight.
Through the years, Violet was busy on the farm, preparing many delicious meals and coffee times. She worked alongside Arvin growing the Pioneer Seed business, learning the computer, assisting customers in the warehouse and hosting Pioneer Days. Violet also was a 4-H leader, Campfire leader, Sunday school teacher and active church member. But most of all, Violet was interested in people. She loved a day out with friends, an evening in with family, or a road trip with Arvin. In 1994, Violet and Arvin moved to the condo in Pella. Arvin passed away on September 20, 2003, at the age of 70. Violet continued to attend her grandson’s football games, share her unwritten baking tips with her granddaughter and love us all well. In the spring of 2014, Violet moved to Assisted Living at The Cottages. She cherished her time and friends there. Following a recent cancer diagnosis, Violet peacefully passed away on Friday morning, August 30, while being cared for at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House.
Violet leaves the family who loved her deeply, daughter Beth Loux of Pella and grandchildren Anna Loux of Frisco, Texas, and William Loux of Arlington, Virginia. She also leaves her sister, Norma Hiemstra and sister-in-law Nancy Kuiper along with nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. Violet was preceded in death by her husband Arvin, her daughter Kaylene, her parents Ralph G and Nellie Kuiper, her parents-in-law J. Harry and Stella Boot, her brother Gerald Kuiper, brother-in-law Rev. Harold Hiemstra and niece Valerie Hiemstra. Violet’s goal in life was to leave her mark for Christ, serving God and others. She accomplished it well.
|