Betty Vandyke

With a smile that could brighten up the darkest of days, Betty VanDyke was an extraordinary woman who lived her life to love others. She had a deep commitment to her family, and her strong sense of right and wrong instilled lifelong values in her loved ones. A woman of wisdom and abundant faith, Betty lived to educate and enrich the lives of others through the word of God, which she herself believed in so deeply. Her life and her work are an inspiration to all. Under the leadership of President Warren G. Harding, America entered into the 1920s with confidence. The politics of the time were as turbulent as ever, yet industry had made the U.S. economy surge. The decade would be forever remembered for its carefree and decadent flavor. Johannes and Henrika (DenOtter) Ryke were far removed from these things that characterized the 1920s. They lived a modest life in their home at 1752 Smith Street in Muskegon, Michigan, and on May 2, 1922, the couple welcomed a new bundle of joy into their home with the birth of their daughter, Betty. Johannes originally wanted to name his little girl Betsy, but was told it was a Dutch name so it could not be put on the birth certificate. He was encouraged to pick something more American, like Betty. Funny, they learned later of the famous woman Betsy Ross how can you get more American than that? The second of six children, Betty grew up in a loving home with her older sister, Marie, and younger siblings, John, Henry, Sam and Ruth. Her father worked hard to provide for the large family at the Campbell, Wyant & Cannon Foundry. Later her parents established and operated Rykes Bakery. When Betty and her sister Marie were old enough, they helped out too, going door-to-door selling bread and the famous Ryke's thin butter cookies. Because the bakery business was so busy, the family was never able to get away on vacation, though they did take time on Sundays and holidays to visit with relatives. Betty played the violin and sewed, and attended Moon Elementary School. Like many young girls, Betty left Muskegon High after the 10th grade to help her family in the bakery with its growing demands. When it came time to have fun, Betty enjoyed roller skating with her friends at Curvecrest Roller Rink in North Muskegon. One day, Betty took a spill and was helped up by a handsome young man named Garry VanDyke, and with that, their love story began. What began as love at first sight blossomed into true love and after dating for a time, Betty and Garry were married on October 23, 1943. It wasnt long before Betty and Garry filled their hearts and home with the joy and busyness of six children: Garry II (1944), David (1946), Jim (1950), Mark (1952), Marcia (1958) and Phillip (1962). Betty completely embraced her role as a mother, and her unconditional love and strong values reverberates through the hearts of her children to this day. Later in life, when she was blessed with grandchildren and great grandchildren, she poured the same amount of love (and teaching) into these relationships as she did with her own children. Her grandkids remembered that Grandma didnt mess around yet she always had plenty of hugs and kisses to go around. Bettys strong, abiding faith was a cornerstone in her life, and she worked hard to instill her Christian values upon her children. She was a longtime member of Calvary Memorial Church and was very active in doing Gods work through various activities and organizations. Betty was President of Reeths-Puffer PTA and the spiritual leader. For years she taught Sunday School and Good News Clubs in homes and schools. She was the treasurer for Child Evangelism Fellowship and helped to start Widows Agape Fellowship at Berean Church. As a family, Betty, Garry and the kids attended Camp Barakel, a Christian family campground near Alpena. Later, she and Garry took several mission trips. They went to Switzerland where Betty helped cook for the crew that was renovating a building for CEF. They also volunteered at a camp in Canada and traveled to Niger, West Africa, where Betty served as a house mother for the missionaries who were on furlough. She was generous and giving. Betty longed for the opportunity to share her love and faith with everyone around her. Her family was convinced that she had a direct line to God through her fervent prayers. They often asked her to pray on their behalf, since she always got an answer. Betty never retired; she continued Gods work until the day He called her Home. When not about Gods work, Betty and Garry worked in their business, VanDyke Plumbing, which they established together. Despite not finishing high school, Betty was very good with math and numbers, and did the bookkeeping for the business. Her employment history also included working as a clerk at Ryke's bakery and at Hages Bookstore. Bettys father had a cottage on Little Silver Lake, where she and her brothers and sisters and their families spent many memorable Sunday afternoons together. They often had potluck dinners or just dessert, but there was always time to enjoy the water. Grandpa Ryke said swimming was allowed on Sunday because it was a private lake. Time together as a family was important to Betty, and she was always in her glory surrounded by the love and smiles of her children and grandchildren. There were numerous cookouts so we could simply get together. They came to her house for Christmas Eve which always had lots of beautifully wrapped gifts that she collected all year round. The one thing that upheld Betty throughout her life was her faith in God. Leading by example, she taught all the people in her life about faith, love and trust, and her deeds and actions were an inspiration to those who knew and loved her. Betty (Ryke) VanDyke, age 89, of Muskegon, MI went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, October 17, 2011. She is survived by her sons, David VanDyke, James (Reggie) VanDyke, Mark (Debra) VanDyke, Phillip (Sharon) VanDyke; daughter, Marcia Sieplinga; daughter-in-law, Carol VanDyke; beloved grandchildren, Janda, Garry III, Leann, Natalie, Shana, Katelyn, Jessica, Kendra, Annie, Jackie, Kristy, Michael; 15 precious great grandchildren; brothers, Henry Ryke, Samuel (AnnaMae) Ryke; and sister, Ruth (Bob) Ryke-Carr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Garry; son, Garry II; sister, Marie Ryke-Borgeson; and brother, John Ryke and sister-in-law, Ellen Ryke. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Memorial Church with Rev. Jeffery Dunn officiating. Visitation is on Friday, October 21, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship or Calvary Memorial Church. Please visit Bettys personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you may share a memory and sign her online guest book.