On the evening of Friday June 23, 2023 Earleen (Chi) Helen VanNiewaal, 65 years of age, born in the Chicago area; daughter, sister, mother, grand and great-grandmother, made her journey to reunite with her lost, loved ones.
She will greatly be missed by those who love her here on Earth. After several years of battling illnesses, family and friends are comforted knowing she is now finally pain-free and at peace. She was beautiful, hard-working, creative, compassionate, funny, and fierce.
Mom had a zest for life. She loved music and dancing. She had a strong compassion for animals, especially horses, dogs and birds. She often reminisced about her childhood horse, Cindy, and the super close bond they shared. She loved going to the rodeo and dreamed about going on a trail ride round-up like the cowboys did back in the day. Some of our best memories with her have been made camping, pontooning, and playing in the water. She had a knack for interior design and always made where we lived or traveled feel as homey as possible.
Dad was our rock. .. and SHE, she was everybody's net. She and Dad were together approximately 32 years. They traveled a lot (as much as they could), they shared a love for NASCAR and went to many races. They ran the FTA Speedway together for several years with us kids and close friends (family).
We all already miss the holidays and random cookouts they would host for the whole family. The world isn't the same without these two. Now they are back together in spirit - throwing parties in heaven or sitting side by side playing slot machines.
Preceding her in death, and waiting for her as mentioned before, is her late and great husband, Randy D. VanNiewaal; her beloved parents, Ruth and Manuel Hurley; father-in-law (Ron VanNiewaal); brother and sister-in-law (Michael & DJ Hurley); one sister-in-law (Michelle Hurley); one uncle (Charles Hock); and three nephews.
Missing her on Earth are her children: Rachel Correll (Victor Peterson), Autumn Turner, Heather Winn, Bobbie Brooks (DJ) , Randy VanNiewaal Jr. (Katy), and Rusty VanNiewaal; along with 15 grandkids and 5 great grandkids all of whom she loved dearly; her brother, Patrick Hurley (Deborah); her sister-in-law, Raymonde De Waha; her sister, Sharon; her mother-in-law, Patricia VanNiewaal; sisters & brothers of Randy D. VanNiewaal Sr. -Rod (Jeannie), Tina (Rick), and Vikki; as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Earleen's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
