Elizabeth Blom, 91, passed away Nov. 23, 2018, at the Serenity House in Oskaloosa following a recent fall. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 27, at First Christian Reformed Church in Pella where she was a faithful member. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Pella. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be designated for the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella or the Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association (CSDSA), in Colorado Springs, CO.
Elizabeth Kole was the second of three children born to Cornelius and Wilhelmina (Saman) Kole. She was born Sept. 6, 1927, on her parents’ farm home east of Pella. Elizabeth attended country schools and completed her high school education in three years at Pella Christian High School and graduated with the Class of 1949. Following her graduation, she worked at Lee’s Variety Store in Pella for a short time. Elizabeth met G. James Blom, who was driving a school bus at the time, and they were united in marriage on Feb. 23, 1950, at her parents’ home. To this union four children were born: Loren James, Terry Gene, Judy Elaine, and Marla Kay. Elizabeth, who became known as “Lizzie,” and James, who became known as “Bud,” resided on the Kole family farm for 42 years following their marriage. During this time, she worked part-time at Fairhaven. In 1992, Bud retired from farming and they moved into the Pella Manor. They later moved into an apartment in Pella where they were living when he passed away on June 24, 2003, at the age of 73. Lizzie and Bud were privileged to share their lives together for 53 years, and she adjusted to widowhood well and recently became a resident at Fairhaven East, where she had previously been employed. Lizzie enjoyed camping and fishing with Bud, family, and friends. She also enjoyed wintering in Arizona, playing cards, crafting, and quilting for many years at the church. Most of all, she loved being with her family.
Those who will cherish her memory are her family: Loren (Linda) Blom of Pella, Cindy Blom of Pella, Judy (Ronald) Groenendyk of Oskaloosa, and Marla Van Kooten of Denver, CO; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Of her original family Elizabeth leaves her brother, Gerald (Bernice) Kole of Ocala, FL; her three nieces, Sandy Vanden Broek, Patti Tomb, and Barb Luzum; and the following sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Evelyn V. Farnham of Gowrie, Donna L. Kaldenberg of Otley, Beulah Blom and JoAnn Blom both of Pella, Floyd E. (Lavonne) Blom of Algona; along with several nieces and nephews.
Elizabeth was also preceded in death by her son, Terry (TBolt) Blom; her parents; her sister, Janella and her husband Leonard Vande Lune; her parents-in-law, Tunis and Jennie (Roelofsen) Blom; and the following brothers-in-law: Paul Farnham, Ivan Kaldenberg, Carroll “Chuck” L. Blom, and Marvin D. Blom.
