Vera Jane VanDyke, 68, a resident of the Verboort community passed away on Monday morning, October 31, 2016 in her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Vera was born on December 17, 1947 in Hillsboro, OR. She was the youngest of twelve children born to Edward and Josephine (Vandomelen) Meeuwsen. She was raised on a small parcel of property in North Plains where the family raised a cow. She enjoyed helping take care and riding horses at a nearby neighbors house.
She met her future husband, Michael "Mike" VanDyke through a  mutual friend and following a two year courtship, they were married on October 18, 1969 at St Edward Catholic Church in North Plains. Following their marriage they made their home in Verboort.
Vera was a loving and devoted mother to her five children; Doug, Jayson, Angie, Amy and Jeremy. She was a farmer’s wife and had tended the animals on the farm, especially the horses she loved. She was also a great cook, enjoyed reading, loved her flower gardens, and listening to music (especially The Beatles). Vera's family was central to all of her life and it dictated holidays, vacations and events. She loved having her children around her. She enjoyed visiting the casino's, the beach, going to garage sales with Mike, organizing the Pot Holder booth for the annual Verboort Sausage Dinner, and sold Avon as a hobby.
She is preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings.
She is survived by her loving husband, Mike, five children; Doug and Tiffany VanDyke of Verboort, Jayson and Tiffany VanDyke of Forest Grove, Angie VanDyke and her significant other, Jesse Fleming both of Cove Orchard, Amy VanDyke of Forest Grove, Jeremy and Marissa VanDyke of Forest Grove, three grandchildren; Morgan, Blake, and Riley, and a great granddaughter; Emma.
The family suggest donations in Vera's name to Visitation Catholic School