Arlis Kay De Weerd

Rock Valley, IA: Arlis Kay De Weerd, 72, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025, from injuries sustained in a tragic motor vehicle accident in Liberal, Kansas. Visitation with the family present will be held Monday, December 29, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Trinity Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 30, at 11:00 AM at Trinity CRC with Pastor Dan De Groot and Pastor Jim Knodel officiating. The service can be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/4077519. Private family burial will be held prior to the service at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley.

   In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials which may be directed to Rock Valley Christian School, Hull Christian School, or Western Christian High School in Hull.

   Arlis Kay De Weerd, daughter of Andrew and Nellie (Feekes) Van Der Vliet, was born February 19, 1953, in Sioux Center, Iowa. Arlis grew up on the family farm west of Carmel, Iowa. She attended Rock Valley Community School, graduating in the class of 1971. On April 1, 1972, Arlis was united in marriage to Stanley Wayne De Weerd. The couple first made their home in Sioux Center and eventually called Rock Valley home. Though Arlis worked outside the home at different times, she was at heart a devoted homemaker to her husband and four children, Jason, Scott, Janelle, and Allison.

   Arlis loved the Lord and had a true servant’s heart. Her faith was evident in the way she gave of herself to others, volunteering in many places over the years. She served at Camp Elohim in Montana, and spent time with Justice For All in Jackson, Mississippi, where she lovingly prepared countless meals. She served at STEMM in Tanzania and One Body One Hope in Liberia, both in Africa. She also served with Stepping Forward Ministries in Romania. Arlis also gave her time to World Renew in various states and Sunshine Acres in Mesa, Arizona, always willing to help wherever there was a need. For the last 9 years, Arlis volunteered as a teacher’s aide at Rock Valley Christian where she was lovingly referred to as “Grandma Arlis”. Her presence brought calm, kindness, and encouragement to the classrooms, and her gentle faith was evident in how she showed up each day. She did not seek recognition; she tried to avoid it, but her impact was unmistakable. Arlis also served in countless ways as a member of Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley. When she wasn’t volunteering or spending time with family, Arlis enjoyed sewing, crocheting and quilting.

   Arlis is survived by her husband of 53 years, Stan; 4 children, Jason (Lindy) De Weerd of Doon, Iowa, Scott (Noemi) De Weerd of Rock Valley, Janelle (Darin) De Wit of Hull, Iowa, and Allison (Greg) Blom of Rock Valley; 14 grandchildren, Noah, Alianna, Myles, Afton, Izabella, Jayci, Elise, Jakobi, Samuel, Josiah, Charlotte, Kambri, Alexander, and Hudsyn; 2 brothers, Glenn (Paula) Van Der Vliet of Sheldon, Iowa and Brian (Jana) Van Der Vliet of Sioux Center; and 4 siblings-in-law, Mary (Bill) Schoep of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Arlin (Helen) De Weerd of Hull, Roger De Weerd of Maurice, Iowa, and Pam (Bernie) Punt of Sioux Center.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Nellie Van Der Vliet; 2-year-old brother, Arlin Van Der Vliet; parents-in-law, Gerald and Gladys De Weerd; and infant brother-in-law Daniel De Weerd and infant sister-in-law, Gail De Weerd.