Maria Putten

Maria Christina Van der Putten, 80, of Bolivar died Friday, July 29, 2016 at Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, due to complications resulting from a fall. She was born Dec. 3, 1935, in Arnhem, Holland, the daughter of Gerardus and Maria Verhaaf and one of eight children. She emigrated to Canada when she was about 18. She and John Van der Putten were married in 1957, and to this union was born 13 children, 10 boys and three girls. In 1961 they moved to the United States, settling in southern California, where they lived for many years. They moved to Ohio in 1971, where they operated an apple orchard and cider mill for several years. In 1978, deciding to move on, they settled briefly in the Houston, Texas, area. Then they moved to Missouri after a year. Eventually they bought a farm in Polk County, where they raised blueberries and other farm produce for many years. They also operated a greenhouse and fruit stand in the town of Bolivar. After her husband's death in 1997, Maria continued to live on the family farm until the time of her death, being cared for by several of her children. She is survived by all of her children, Maria Matties and husband David of Dickinson, Texas, John of the home, Gino and wife Anne of Loveland, Ohio, Joseph and wife Lysanne of St Marys, Vincent and wife Leane of Rossville, Benedict and wife Precious of Shawnee, Okla., Dominic and wife Cathy of St. Marys, Fran and wife Lori of Fair Play, Chris and wife Renee of Bolivar, the Rev. Father Angelo Van der Putten of Nigeria, Africa, Anna Seeley and husband Mike of Paxico, Damien and wife Danielle of Irving, Texas, and Sister Mary Hosanna (Shalome) of Post Falls, Idaho; as well as more than 100 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Requiem mass will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Newbury (Paxico). Mrs Van der Putten will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at Piper Funeral Home. Where there will be a rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. Interment will be in Our Lady Of Peace Cemetery, St. Marys.