Katherine “Kitty” G Van Ry (Scheffer De Hoog) was peacefully welcomed into heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, Sept. 3, three days after her 95th birthday.
Kitty was the second youngest of 10 children born to Herman and Frances (Zweirs) Scheffer. Her family moved from Pease, Minnesota to Everson, Washington in 1937. Kitty grew up in Everson, graduating from Nooksack Valley High School, class of 1946. Later she lived in Oak Harbor and eventually settled in Lynden.
Kitty was well known by many from working many years at JC Penny’s in Lynden. She enjoyed volunteering and being involved at her church, community events, Lynden Christian Schools, and the LC Second Chance Store. Kitty enjoyed golfing and traveling. She valued friendships, early morning walks, and coffee time with lady friends for many years. She was known for her great sense of humor, and was genuinely interested in others, always putting them first. Kitty was a strong woman of faith and believed in the power of prayer and living by the golden rule.
Kitty found great joy in her family and being a mom and grandma. She will be greatly missed by her children Kent De Hoog (Gail) of Lynden, Judy Parsons (Randy) of Lynden, step son-in-law, Larry Vander Haak of Lynden; sister Jeannie Mutic (Lloyd) of Ferndale, six grandchildren, six step grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and 12 step great-grandchildren.
Kitty is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Frances Scheffer, siblings Hank, Bert, Joe, John, Cornelia, Alberta, Harriet, and Marie; first husband, Bill De Hoog, son Brent De Hoog, second husband Adrian Van Ry, two stepsons, Randy Van Ry and Denny Van Ry, and stepdaughter Nancy Vander Haak.
The memorial service was held on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Lynden with reception to follow. A private family burial preceded in Monumenta Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Dr., Lynden WA 98264. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
