4/3/2006
Vera (Welch) Van Gilst was born on Aug. 4, 1916, in rural Knoxville to James Albert and Myrtle Mary (Smith) Welch. She graduated from Knoxville High School in 1935.
On June 8, 1939, she married James Clair Van Gilst at Knoxville Christian Church.
They had two children, Serana and Gary.
Vera taught rural schools in Marion County. She became a homemaker after 1939. She enjoyed spending time with her family, spending time at a cabin in Arkansas, gardening, arranging flowers, hunting, fishing, and traveling.
She was a member of Kilduff United Methodist Church, the Order of Eastern Star Past Worthy Matron, White Shrine, Kellogg Garden Club, and a 4- H leader.
Vera died April 3 at Park Centre in Newton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three brothers, Wyatt, Myron, and Howard; and a sister, Thelma. She is survived by son Gary (Karen) Van Gilst of Newton; daughter, Serana Means of Newton; four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Services were held on April 6. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Park Centre, Kilduff UMC, or the Kellogg Garden Club.