Velma and Phillip Vanderpool

Velma (76) and Phil (81) Vanderpool of Wilder, Idaho died Sunday, March 8, 2015 in an auto accident in New Plymouth. They had been married 52 years. A Celebration of Life for both will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at The Community of Christ Church (329 Elm St., New Plymouth, ID). A luncheon will follow immediately after. Velma Roberta Fuller was born October 29, 1938, in Monona County, Iowa to Leona and Robert Fuller. She grew up on a farm as the youngest of six children. Phillip Levi Vanderpool was born May 16, 1933 in Woodbine, IA to Chester and Nancy Vanderpool. He was the oldest of ten children, also was raised on a farm. He proudly served in the Navy and was fondly named “Mr. Clean” by a nephew. His passion for flying planes occurred in many Saturday morning loop-to-loops. Velma and Phil met as he was hunting deer on the Fuller property. The story involves a haystack and the rest is unknown. Their first date was chaperoned by Phil’s parents. They were married on March 31, 1962 in Sioux City, IA, where Phil was employed by Wilson Trailer and Velma by Aalfs Mfg. They enjoyed their rabbit farm. In 1977 they moved to Wilder, ID where they currently resided, referring to their homestead as their “million dollar view.” Phil loved to hunt and fish and was never afraid to try something new. Together they shared a lasting life raising various farm animals, including horses, goats and chickens, successfully living off the land. Their passion for animals meant they cared for many in need over the years. Velma worked a variety of careers, her last as a baker at Caldwell Walmart. Canning food, grinding wheat, and making butter were some of her many specialties. She loved exploring the Owyhee Mountains, hunting rocks and arrowheads and painting her favorite landscapes. Although they never had children, they took in their two teenage nephews, John Gibson of Greenleaf and Tony Gibson of Caldwell. They passed their love of land, hard work ethics and ability to turn difficulties into fun to the Gibson boys. Together they enjoyed many adventures in the mountains. Also a part of their family was their “adopted daughter,” Elaine Derry, of Wilder, who shared in their love of horses. Both Vanderpools were ordained ministers of Aaronic Priesthood, where Velma served as office of teacher and Phil of deacon. Velma was preceded in death by her mother and father; three sisters, Darlene (Bill) Smith of Greenleaf, ID; Ardith (Arnold) Robinson of S. Sioux City, NE; Lorraine (Tate) of Spencer, IA; and brother, Don (Mary) Fuller of Prineville, OR. Phil was preceded in death by his mother and father and a brother, Francis (Nancy) Vanderpool of Hampton, IA and three sisters, Myrtle Vanderpool, Vera (Bob) Grogh of Spencer, IA; and Nancy (Ken) Lee of Burns, OR. Survivors include Velma’s sister, Ila (Gibson) Raynor of S. Sioux City, NE; Phil’s brother’s, Gerald (Roxanne) Vanderpool of Spencer, IA; Glen (Darlene) Vanderpool of Kennewick, WA; William Vanderpool of Oklahoma City, OK and Harold Vanderpool and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Canyon County Animal Shelter (5801 Graye Ln., Caldwell, ID 83607) or The Community of Christ Church (329 Elm St., New Plymouth, ID 83655). Condolences may be sent to www.flahifffuneralchapel.com Service Information