Vanecia Meador

Van was born on June 14, 1934, in Algona, Iowa. Although her childhood was difficult, she made many happy memories with her mother Ruby (Work) (Johnson) Funderburk, her sister Berdean (Beardsley), Illa Mae (Elbert), Sharon (Ostwald), and brothers Delford and Doyle Johnson. She had many friends and admirers as she grew up in Algona and worked hard to help support her family.

On August 11, 1957, Van married the love of her life, Paul Wayne Meador of Runnells, Iowa. Paul worked for Northwestern, and he and Van traveled throughout the Midwest in the early years of their marriage. In 1958 they were blessed with their first child, Kimberly Kay. David Wayne followed in 1960, and Kellie Jean in 1963. With their family complete, Van and Paul settled in Des Moines. They purchased a home in the Beaverdale area, where Van lived for the rest of her life.

Van welcomed hard work if it meant the betterment of her family. In 1973, she was the fourth woman to ever be hired by the John Deere works in Ankeny, IA, to work in the manufacturing plant. Although it was difficult work and she was not always accepted by her male peers, Van did what she had always done - worked as hard, or harder, than anyone else - until she earned the respect of her co-workers.

Every moment of her free time was dedicated to her husband, her children, and all of her family - including many dearly loved nieces and nephews. She filled her family's life with joy, laughter, and lots of shenanigans. Summers were spent camping. Van shared her love of water skiing by teaching all her children and many other children to ski. Winters were spent with roller skating, sewing, crafts, and preparing for Christmas, when their home was filled with people, food, laughter, and an embarrassment of riches she showered on us all.

Tragedy cast a shadow on her life when her husband of 23 years passed away suddenly in 1980. Despite her grief, Van carried on and again found the light in her life with the birth of her grandchildren, whom she loved without limit.

She was known by many names. She was Van, Niecie, Hon, Mom, Momma Meador, and Grannie. She was the lady with the spectacular flower gardens. She was the Queen of Christmas.

Van passed peacefully from this life on August 7, 2011. She is survived by her sister Berdean (Don) Beardsley of Grand River, IA; her daughter Kim and husband Rick Mounts of Indianola, IA; her son David Meador and partner Michelle Meyers and great-grandson Ayden of Des Moines, IA; Daughter Kellie and husband Don Ellerbusch and grandson Daschel of Ashland, NE; granddaughter Tara and husband Ryan Pfantz and great-grandchildren Evan and Bria of State Center, IA; grandson Troy Mounts of Des Moines and his fiancé Christine Cottingham; granddaughter Lauren Meador of Des Moines, and many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren.

Mom, you gave us life and the strength and humor to enjoy it. We miss you always and love you forever.

The family would like to extend a "special Thank-you" to the staff at Kavanaugh on 56th for the care and compassion given to our Mom over the past two months.

The family requests any memorials to go to Kavanaugh House, 56th Street, Des Moines.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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