Glenda Jean VanderHolt

Glenda Jean VanderHolt danced her way into heaven March 8, 2026.  She was born April 17, 1939, to Ecko and Gladys (Geiken) Mennen and was one of ten girls. On October 14, 1960, Glenda was united in marriage to the love of her life, Willard “Willie” VanderHolt. Together they built a life centered on faith, family and service to others.  In 1972, Glenda joyfully answered an alter call and accepted Jesus as her Savior. Her faith became the guiding force of her life. She was very active in Hope Reformed Church and later First Congregational Church, where she faithfully served in many roles. Glenda taught Bible School, Sunday School, and family night classes, and alongside Willie, helped lead youth group. She was also active in Ladies Guild and Couples Club.

An avid talker with a true gift for evangelism, Glenda loved sharing the gospel and message of salvation to anyone who would listen. After losing Willie in 1996, Glenda continued sharing her testimony of Faith through grief speaking for Christian Women’s Club.

Faith and Family were the cornerstones of Glenda’s life. She treasured time spent enjoying coffee or a lively card game with her sisters and close friends, and she was often found cheering loudly at the events of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Glenda loved to have fun, shop, and travel, but her greatest joy was simply spending time with her family. 

Glenda was preceded in death her husband, Willard VanderHolt; great-grandchild, Kason Hoppenworth; her parents, Ecko and Gladys Mennen; three sisters, Marjorie Junker, Joyce Brocka, and Sharon Bartels; parents- in-law, Harm and Fannie VanderHolt; brother and sister-in-laws, John Junker, Clarence Diekman, LeRoy Lupkes, Harlan Johnson, Dennis Bartels, John VanderHolt, Wilhelmina (Ben) VanHove, Agnes (Merle) Meyer, Harriet Onnen.

 She is lovingly remembered by her five children: Gregg (Leah) VanderHolt, Grant (Leigh) VanderHolt, Gayla (Kreg) Hoppenworth, Galon “Buddy” (Les) VanderHolt, and Ginna VanderHolt. She is also survived by nine grandchildren; Klay (Mindie) Hoppenworth, Kade (Shelby Reihm) Hoppenworth, Amy (Isaiah) Lockard, Rachel (Zack) Hasselbrink, Jordie (Cody) Eichmeier, Jenzen VanderHolt, Taryn (Guy Gerloff) VanderHolt, Will VanderHolt, and Taylor VanderHolt; as well as 14 great-children, Kamdon, Kolbon, Kalob, Mylie, Koen, Kylee Hoppenworth, Lorelei and Isla Lockard, Sloan and Josey Hasselbrink, Grayson, Beckham, Barrett and Baylor Eichmeier. Six sisters; Erma Diekman, Shirley Lupkes, Janice Johnson, Carol (Wayne) Aukes, Judy (Larry) Pruisner, Kathy (Larry) Koppedryer and bonus sister, Linda (Jerry) Kessler, and brother-in-law, Ronald Brocka, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Glenda will be remembered for her deep faith, joyful spirit, and unwavering love for her family.  Her life was a testimony of faith, fun, kindness, and a joy of sharing God’s love with others. 

Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg. The Funeral Message, “Trusting Jesus” was given by Klay Hoppenworth with Pastor BJ Humphrey and Pastor Zach Gaylor accompanying. Eulogy was read by Kade Hoppenworth and Will VanderHolt. Amy Lockard, Rachel Hasselbrink, Jordie Eichmeier, Jenzen VanderHolt, Taryn VanderHolt and Taylor VanderHolt gave a Personal Tribute, “Praying”. The congregation sang “Majesty” and “Just As I Am” accompanied by Randy Alderks, who also preformed special music, “I Bowed On My Knees”. The burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg, with Klay Hoppenworth, Kade Hoppenworth, Will VanderHolt, Isaiah Lockard, Zach Hasselbrink, Cody Eichmeier and Guy Gerloff serving as Casketbearers. Amy Lockard, Rachel Hasselbrink, Jordie Eichmeier, Jenzen VanderHolt, Taryn VanderHolt and Taylor VanderHolt served as Honorary Casketbearers. 

Visitation was held Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg.  

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com