Willemina Geertruida Maria “Mieke” Koelman Ingram, born on November 25, 1951, to Willem and Geertruida Van Os Koelman, departed from this world on May 12, 2024.
Mieke’s journey began in her beloved homeland of Holland, but it was the promise of new horizons that led her to America in the late 70s. Settling in the picturesque Ozarks in 1981, she found her heart’s home in Licking by 1984. It was amidst the humble charm of a local diner that fate intervened, introducing her to the love of her life, Randy Ingram. They married on September 21, 1985. Theirs was a bond forged in the simple joys of life and an unwavering devotion to one another. Mieke was a radiant soul, brimming with vitality and an innate ability to make every stranger feel like a friend, even if their names escaped her memory.
Her love knew no bounds, extending fiercely to her spouse, children, and grandchildren, who were the very essence of her being. Her affection for her dogs was legendary, perhaps even rivaling her love for her family. Mieke had a tenacious spunk and a humorous spirit that was at the center of many stories and memories created with her close friends and loved ones.
She is survived by her loving husband, Randy; two children, son, Nathanael of Jeffersonville, IN and daughter, Olivia of Alton, MO; four grandchildren, Madison Ingram of Bloomington, IN, Darci Elliott (Ethan) of Iwakuni, Japan, and John and Jake Walters of Alton, MO; sister, Bruun Koelman de Laat; nephews, Robert and Willem; nieces, Cornelie, Assie and Aurelia, all from Holland; mother-in-law Ada Ingram of Licking, MO; and a host of extended family and several close friends.
Mieke excelled in every endeavor she pursued, mastering the art of resilience and refusing to accept defeat. She approached life with a full-hearted spirit, rejecting the notion of “no” and meeting challenges head-on with unwavering determination. In her later years, Mieke could be found indulging in life’s simple pleasures—delighting in the flavors of sushi, embarking on shopping escapades, savoring coffee on her front porch, or nurturing her garden and flower beds with tender care. Mieke and Randy enjoyed time together throwing and glazing pottery and often participating in craft fairs where Mieke would demonstrate her talent of spinning wool into yarn while Randy demonstrated his art of pottery.
Her faith was her guiding light, and she placed unyielding trust in God to provide for her every need. This steadfast faith, coupled with her directness, stubborn resolve, and sense of responsibility, served as a beacon of strength and inspiration to all who knew her. Mieke leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering devotion—a legacy she imparted to her daughter, nurturing the tradition of strong women with pride and determination.
A visitation for Mieke will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM at Faith Fellowship, 7804 Hwy 17, Houston, MO 65483. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Bill Villapiano officiating. Interment will follow at Arthurs Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers are Sterling Ingram, John Hood, John Green, Austin Elliott, Ray Gingerich, and Jim Carter. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the South Central Child Advocacy Center, 411 Garfield Avenue, West Plains, MO 65775 or https://childadvocacycenter.org/how-you-can-help/donate/ (https://childadvocacycenter.org/how-you-can-help/donate/) .
