"As a high school student I worked for Lyle at the Skelly station part-time. Lyle & Betty attended my wedding to Joy Phillis in 1964. I learned many things working for Lyle which contributed to my success as a career military officer. I only learned - today - of he & Betty's passing. They were trully great people. Sincerely, Robert (Ernie) Williamson, LTC, USA, Ret."
In loving memory of
Virgil Lyle Van Ness
July 2, 1925 - February 10, 2020
Lyle passed away on Monday morning, February 10, 2020 at Windsor Manor in Shenandoah.
Memorial graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the family.
Virgil Lyle Van Ness was born on July 2, 1925 in Sidney, Iowa, the son of Virgil John and Agnes Marie (Theis) Van Ness. Lyle passed away on Monday, February 10, 2020 at Windsor Manor in Shenandoah, Iowa. Betty Jane Nelson Van Ness was born on January 29, 1925 in Farragut, Iowa, the daughter of Ed and Anna (Kemper) Nelson. Betty passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Windsor Manor in Shenandoah, Iowa. The couple was blessed with over 73 years of marriage.
Lyle's early years were spent helping his dad on the farm in rural Sidney. He graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1943. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country with pride as a member of the Military Police, while serving in Japan. On August 31, 1946 he was united in marriage to Betty Nelson in Junction City, Kansas. The couple made their home on a farm near Hawleyville.
Lyle left farming to go to work for Revell Transit Line in Shenandoah. He then managed the Skelly Gas Station and then moved across the street when the new station opened. He also worked on boats and even opened his own shop L & M Marina for several years. He then transferred to a boat shop in Lake Manawa. Upon returning to work in Shenandoah he worked for Sharp Sanitation and then drove a truck for Lloyds until his retirement. Betty was a bookkeeper for Williams Brothers Garage and later worked for the Iowan Magazine until her retirement.
Some of their hobbies included going fishing in Canada and gardening. Betty also enjoyed crocheting and doing needlepoint. He was a member of the Shenandoah Fire Department and the Shenandoah American Legion.
They were preceded in death by there parents; and by Lyle's brother Marlyn in 1952. Those left to cherish their memory include their son Roger Van Ness of New Market; grandchildren Tracy Borders and husband Daryl of Kirkland, WA, Angela Whited of Des Moines, IA and Michael Van Ness of Earlham, IA; 5 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Tributes
"Lyle and Betty were good friends of my parents Perry and Vivian Tinnell. One of my favorite memories as a small child was when Lyle and Betty would come to visit our parents. I would run to greet them, and Lyle would pick me up high and touch my head to the ceiling in one swoop. Quite a thrill for a little kid. Loved them both. Patti Tinnell Hickory "
"Uncle Lyle and Aunt Betty our hearts, while sad, are so thankful you are both together and are at peace in Heaven. We are blessed to have so many fond memories of both of you."
"prayers and sympathy to the family"
"Roger, may your faith hold you firm and give you strength. with God's blessings and prayers. "
"May fond memories and God?s loving words carry you through and beyond this difficult time of mourning. Isaiah 57:15"