Julia Merley

Julia Merley

Sheldon, Iowa

            Funeral services for Julia Merley, age 84, of Sheldon, who passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Vista Prairie at Fieldcrest in Sheldon.  Her funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Faith Community Church in Sheldon with Pastor Kevin Gingerich ~ officiating.

            The service will be livestreamed at:  Faith Community Church of Sheldon | Home (sheldonfaith.org)

            Burial will be at a later date at East Lawn Cemetery in Sheldon.

            Visitation will be after 4 P.M. on Monday, January 22, 2024, with family present from 5 – 7 P.M. at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

JULIA MERLEY

BORN

December 29, 1939

Ireton, Iowa

PASSED AWAY

January 18, 2024

Sheldon, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE

11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Faith Community Church; Sheldon, Iowa

Pastor Mike Cooper ~ Officiating

MUSIC

“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

“I Can Only Imagine”

Duet By:  Tricia Meendering and Wil George

“When We All Get To Heaven” ~ Randy Overstreet

FINAL RESTING PLACE

At a later date

East Lawn Cemetery

Sheldon, Iowa

After today’s service, relatives and friends are invited to join the family in the fellowship hall of the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the 

Vander Ploeg Funeral Home; Sheldon, Iowa.

Julia Merley, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Van Ravenswaay) Vander Linden was born on December 29, 1939 in Ireton, Iowa.  In 1944, the family relocated to Inwood, Iowa.  Julia attended country school until 5^th grade, when the family moved to a farm near Sheldon, Iowa in 1951.  She completed her education from Sheldon High School.  

On November 24, 1956, Julia was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Merley in Worthington, Minnesota.  After their marriage, the couple resided in Sheldon for several years, before moving on an acreage outside of town for 34 years. Julia worked at Northwestern Bell, before working alongside Bob for many years in their excavating business.  Julia and Bob moved back to Sheldon in 2017.  

Julia and Bob became parents to Michael (Mike) in 1958. Julia was a loving mother, who treasured time with her cherished son, who passed away in 2016. Bob preceded Julia in death on June 13, 2020.  Julia remained at home before moving to Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Sheldon.  She passed away at Fieldcrest on Thursday, January 18, 2024, reaching the age of 84 years and 19 days.

Julia was a member of the Faith Community Church in Sheldon.  She served many years on the Village Northwest Board.  She enjoyed playing cards, bowling, gardening, sewing, and spending time with friends and family.

Left to cherish Julia’s memory are her step-son, Jeffrey Rider of Williamsburg, Iowa; grandchildren, Jerome (Bianca) and Johnny (Lindsay) Rider; great grandchildren, Billy, Josie and Carly; siblings, Betty (John) Kreykes, Paul Vander Linden, and Dennis Vander Linden; two sisters-in-law, Wilma Vander Linden and Loretta Vander Linden; brother-in-law, Rod (Renae) Merley; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elizabeth Vander Linden; husband, Bob; son, Michael; granddaughter, Leslie Rider; four brothers, William Vander Linden, Robert Vander Linden, Jim Vander Linden and John Vander Linden; twin sister, Janice Vander Schaaf; and three sisters-in-law, Norma Vander Linden, Rose Vander Linden and Phyllis Vander Linden.