Vonda Marie Cheney

Private family services are planned at a later date.

Vonda Marie Cheney was born on February 12, 1932 in Fremont County, Iowa to Fredrick Dale and Ila Faye (Bateman) Bell. The family moved to a farm west of Malvern. She attended school in Tabor and played the clarinet in the marching band. While growing up she had a passion for riding horses.

Vonda met the love of her life at a roller-skating rink. She was united in marriage to Charles Albert Cheney on August 1, 1948 in Mineola, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Cynthia, Cheryl and Calvin. The family farmed just outside of Malvern. Vonda enjoyed family picnics, going to the Nebraska State Fair, playing bridge in Tabor and Malvern and eating out with family. The family spent many summer weekends water skiing. Vonda loved being in the boat watching the kids. The family also spent summer vacations in the mountains, enjoying the beautiful scenery and quality time together.

Vonda was active in the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School in Tabor. She was a member of JUG, Fairview Club and W.S.C.S. Vonda was a talented seamstress and also crocheted beautiful baby blankets and cross-stitched baby quilts for all of the grandkids and some of the great-grandkids. Vonda lovingly made each child and grandchild Christmas stockings. She kept an immaculate yard as well as beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Charles and Vonda also raised pumpkins and gourds. Along with being a farm wife raising cattle and hogs, she worked at Coatney’s and Hardware Hank’s. Charles and Vonda enjoyed going to the movies together. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Easter was her favorite holiday as she enjoyed watching the kids hunt for eggs, although she loved all of the holidays. The grandkids loved having sleepovers at the farm. The family will cherish all the memories shared with Vonda. Another fun family gathering was fall festivities when kids, grandkids and great-grandkids would pick pumpkins and gourds, then eat pizza afterwards at the farm.

Preceding Vonda in passing were her parents, grandson Aaron Schaaf, brother-in-law Robert Hall, great-nephew Truitt Hunter and other loved ones. Survivors include her loving husband Charles Cheney of Malvern, Iowa; children Cynthia (Julius) Schaaf of Randolph, Iowa and their children Shane and Amber; Sarah and Phil; Cheryl (Chris) Stephens of Malvern, Iowa and children Ethan and Jensen, Garret; Calvin (Barbara) Cheney of Malvern and children, Wyatt; Paul and Daize; Daniel and Courtney; Victoria and Brad; 13 great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister Delores Hall of Castle Rock, Colorado; several nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.

Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Methodist Church, 15 Bennett Avenue, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503.

Interment, Malvern Cemetery, Malvern, Iowa at a later date.