Edna D. Van Zee

Edna D. Van Zee, 108, of Ames, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, at Northridge Village in Ames.

Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be expressed online at amesmonument.com.

Edna Delia Van Zee was one of twin daughters born to John and Dirkie (Van Zante) Boot Jan. 20, 1912, in Prairie City. She graduated from Prairie City High School, then earned her teaching certification at Central College in Pella.

Edna was united in marriage to William Van Zee. The couple farmed and raised their family in the Prairie City area. Edna had many activities and interests to keep her busy. In addition to helping her husband on the farm, she enjoyed gardening, community service, making quilts for the homeless and working annually at the Iowa State Fair in the Food and Textiles department.

She was an active member of the First Reformed Church in Prairie City, and later attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. Edna was a member of various women’s groups, including P.E.O. Chapter AV. She also enjoyed writing and telling stories of her upbringing, but family was always her main priority and source of joy.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, William in 2002; two sons, Ronald Raymond Van Zee in infancy and Bruce Van Zee; her parents; two brothers, Raymond Boot and David Boot; and three sisters, Ruth Haverkamp, Mabel Vos and her twin, Ellen Donelson.

Surviving are a daughter, Mary Pepper of Ames; a daughter-in-law, Joy Van Zee of Oakland; four grandchildren, Justin Van Zee of Las Cruces, N.M., Angela (John) Mortland of Colorado Springs, Colo., Anne (Jason Whisnant) Pepper of West Des Moines and Tom (Claire Mears) Pepper of Boulder Creek, Calif.; and four great-grandchildren, Robert Mortland, Katie Mortland, Alexis Pepper and Redd Pepper.

Memorials in memory of Edna may be made payable to Mary Pepper at 2305 Northcrest Pkwy., #102, Ames, IA 50010. They will be used for a P.E.O. scholarship in support of women or a park bench beneath Bruce’s oak tree in the Prairie City Garden Park.

Ames Monument and Cremation Center has been entrusted with the care of Edna and her family.