Verda Faye Swartzendruber

Verda Faye Ropp was born December 6, 1933, in Kalona, IA, the daughter of Lewis C. Ropp and Magdalena (Hershberger) Ropp. She married William Swartzendruber on August 18, 1959, at Sunnyside Church in Kalona. Verda Swartzendruber passed away Monday, October 21, 2024, at Pleasantview Home in Kalona at the age of 90.

Verda taught elementary school for four years, was an assistant cook at Iowa Mennonite School for 23 years, and was a tour guide at the Mennonite Historical Museum. She graded Bible lessons for many years for prison inmates, and she worked as a volunteer at the Crowded Closet. Verda was active at Upper Deer Creek Church as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, Sewing Circle member, librarian, and youth sponsor. She enjoyed quilting, reading, putting puzzles together, entertaining guests, and spending time with family. 

Survivors include her four children: Susan (Grant) Stoltzfus of Harrisonburg, VA; Anthony (Debra) Swartzendruber of Atmore, AL; Mary Jo (Phil Easley) Swartzendruber of Harrisonburg, VA; Michael Swartzendruber of Harrisonburg, VA. Seven grandchildren: Zachary, Hannah, and Matthew (fiancée Taylor) Stoltzfus; Christian (Mary), William (Anna), Austin (Regina) and Kaylynn Swartzendruber. Five great grandchildren: Wren, Maeve, Everett, Sedona, and Jireh. One sister and twin brother: Martha Bender of Kalona, IA; Vernon (Velma) Ropp of Kalona, IA. 

Preceding Verda in death are her husband; her parents; two brothers: Ernest Ropp and Omer Ropp; seven sisters: Esther Ropp, infant Mary Jane Ropp, Ella Mae Ropp, Lydia Gingerich, Effie Baer, Ada Gingerich, and Edith Helmuth; three sisters-in-law: Ardith Ropp, Mary Elva Ropp, and Pearl Ropp; and five brothers-in-law: Alvin Gingerich, Ivo Gingerich, Harold Baer, James Bender, and Paul Helmuth. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Upper Deer Creek Mennonite Church in rural Wellman and will be live-streamed on the Powell Funeral Homes Facebook page. Pastor Elmer Miller will officiate. Graveside service and burial will be at 9:30 AM at Upper Deer Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, October 25, 2024, where the family will greet friends from 4:00–7:00 PM at the Yoder Powell Funeral Home in Kalona. Memorial contributions may be made to Upper Deer Creek Church or Pleasantview Home.