Veldine Kaye (V) Van Roekel Scott, 93, formerly of Ottumwa died March 21, 2026 at Deerfield Independent Living in Urbandale.
She was born October 29, 1932, to Harry and Maggie Van Roekel, near Monroe, Iowa. She was the second of eight children. V grew up on the family farm and attended a one-room schoolhouse for much of her childhood. Upon graduation from high school in 1951, she received a full scholarship to the nursing school program at Iowa Lutheran Hospital.
After nursing school, V got a job at the University of Iowa Hospital. While working there, she met a handsome medical resident named Paul, whom she would marry in May of 1956. In 1957, the couple’s first daughter was born. The following year, the family moved to Ottumwa, where Paul pursued his medical career and V devoted herself to her growing family.
V was very active in civic and social groups in Ottumwa, including Laureate Guild and the Southeast Iowa Symphony, where she served as board president and in many other capacities for over 25 years. V was instrumental in bringing the Artist-in-Residence program to Ottumwa, and opened her home to many of the artists who took part. She was an excellent cook and a gracious hostess.
V was an avid reader. She was involved in a book club until the last weeks of her life. Her children and grandchildren are very grateful that she passed her love of reading onto them. They learned to expect at least one book from her every birthday and Christmas.
Paul and V loved to travel and were privileged to take many wonderful international trips. They also crisscrossed the U.S. dozens of times to visit their children and grandchildren in Kentucky and Colorado. They both loved being outdoors, and hiking and skiing the Rocky Mountains.
A few years after Paul’s passing in 2017, V moved to Deerfield Retirement Community in Des Moines, where she made many dear friends and spent her last years very happily.
V will be remembered by her family and friends for her boundless energy, generous heart and sly sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.
V is survived by her brother Paul (Sandra)Van Roekel, her children Lisa (Bill) Spears, Paula Scott, Ken (Diana) Scott and Maria Scott, her grandchildren Lauren (Jon) Charles, Kira Spears, Corina (Vincent) Scott, JoJo Scott, Rachel Scott and Armani Alarid, her great-grandchildren Angie (Trevor) Gurr, Isaiah, Paul and Aphia Charles, her great-great-granddaughter, Ayla Gurr, a brother-in-law, several sisters-in-law and cousins, and many lovely nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services and burial will be held at Ottumwa Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life for V will be held in Des Moines this summer. Please contact the family for details if you are interested in attending.
