Benjamin Jay DeRooi

On April 17, 2023, the family of Benjamin Jay DeRooi is with heavy hearts after the loss of a wonderful husband, father, and friend. He earned his wings and we pray that he Rest in Peace with our Heavenly Father in Heaven. He battled Alzheimer’s disease but other complications resulted in his death. His surviving wife, of 33 years is Mary A. DeRooi. He also left behind two daughters, Wendy Reeder of Visalia, Ca., Jodi Musgrove, and son-in-law Steve Musgrove, both of Visalia, Ca., 1 son, Tim DeRooi of Vacaville, CA., One stepdaughter, Terina Lewis of Porterville and 1 stepson, Todd Graham and wife Erma Graham of Reedley, and 3 adopted daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. He was born and raised in Oskaloosa, Iowa on February 26, 1945, to his parents; both deceased; Andrew and Mary E. DeRooi. He had one sister, Lynda DeRooi Emanuel(deceased),3 nephews, 2 nieces, from Missouri, Uncles and aunts from Iowa and several cousins. His first wife, and mother of his 3 children, Barbara Moore DeRooi, also preceded him in death. A few years later with 6 small children, he decided to move west, away from cold and snowy winters. In 1978, Ben chose Visalia to buy a home and raise his children. He opened his own business as “The Decorator Den” in downtown Visalia. Later, he decided to take a job with Galaxy Carpets, and next went on to work as a Territory Salesman for Shaw Industries, traveling up and down the valley, supplying carpet to Retail stores. He worked there 25 years until retiring at the age of 70. He received many awards for his outstanding salesmanship. He was a friend to all and considered a “Favorite Salesman” to many. He was genuinely loved by young and old. He played with his grandkids and great grandkids at their level, and they loved him so much and he was called “PAPA B” from the first grandchild up to all the great grands. He loved Scouts, Nascar races, baseball, golfing, snow skiing, making and fixing things plus he collected many things through the years. He is, and will always be loved and missed and we’ll never forget his big smile and huge heart! Services will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Visalia Cemetery in the pavilion. Arrangements are provided by Hadley-Malcolm Funeral Chapel in Visalia.