Dolores Jean Johnson VanZee, 95, of Ottumwa, died April 11, 2022 at Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.
She was born August 23, 1926 in Ottumwa to Clarence Arley and Virgie May Lawson Terrell. Dee married Alfonse “Doc” Johnson on March 14, 1943 and he preceded her in death on June 2, 1996. She married Rev. Glen Springer on December 13, 1997 and he preceded her in death on June 8, 2003. She married Robert John VanZee on February 9, 2008 and he preceded her in death on April 5, 2013.
A resident of Ottumwa most of her life, she was a dedicated homemaker and pioneer of faith for her family. As she was devoted to her Lord, she loved to serve and to sing. Dee had worked for S.S. Kresge for 5 years, for F.W. Means & Co. for 12 years and for Dr. Shaw at Ottumwa Clinic for 5 years.
She was a member of First Church of the Open Bible in Ottumwa where she was involved with Women’s World Fellowship and taught Sunday school. She was a volunteer for Hospice Serving Davis & Wapello Counties for several years.
Dee is survived by 3 grandchildren, Shane Blucher, Sally (Andy) Culp and Katie (Andy) Edwards; 10 great-grandchildren; and son-in-law, Bruce Uitermarkt of Pella.
She was preceded in death by her daughters, Karen Uitermarkt and Linda Blucher; her parents; her step-mother, Anna Terrell and two brothers, Arnold and Arthur Terrell.
Visitation will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13th at Reece Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, April 14th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Hornback officiating. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed live on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. Her family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Serving Davis and Wapello Counties or Good Samaritan Society Hospice.
