Beloved Gertrude “Gert” Scholten VanMersbergen Vander Veen went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 9, 2018. She was 84.
Gert was born on Aug. 8, 1933 in Seattle, and soon after was adopted by Bert and Tillie (Vermeulen) Scholten. Gert, the eldest of two children, grew up on the family dairy off Hampton Road and attended Lynden Christian Schools.
Gert married Wilmer VanMersbergen on Nov. 7, 1952 and together they raised one son and three daughters on their own family dairy farm on Double Ditch Road. Along with being a homemaker, Gert helped with many farming chores and responsibilities. She was known for her fancy raisin bread, yummy chocolate chip cookies, and cake decorating. She always had time for a visit with welcoming hospitality. After 36 years of marriage, Wilmer passed away in 1989.
Gert met Andy Vander Veen at the Lynden Dutch Bakery and they were later married on May 17, 1992. She became a part of the Vander Veen family, gaining two more sons and four daughters. Gert loved nice clothes and purses, having her nails done and taking great care of herself. She was known for always looking well put together. Gert liked to have the car washed before church, a tidy home and rooting for the Seattle Mariners.
Most of all, Gert was a prayer warrior, she loved to read her Bible and share Jesus with anyone when she got the chance. She enjoyed Friday morning coffee with the gals at McDonald’s and tea time with the grands.
Gert was preceded in death by her first husband, Wilmer, brother Henry Scholten and son-in-law Walt Vis.
Gert is survived by her husband of 25 years, Andy Vander Veen; children Lester (Gretchen) Van Mersbergen, Lenora (Ernie) Olsen, Linda (Richard) Davila and Lisa (Gary) Alldrin; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her second family: Jennie (Ray) Nicholson, Renee Vis, Kathy (Tom) Fisher, Bert Vander Veen, Gary “Pete” (Kelly) Vander Veen and Sandy (Bill) Knutzen; 18 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members.
You are invited to join family and friends for visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19, in Gillies Funeral Home of Lynden. Graveside is at 10 a.m. Friday, April 20, in Monumenta Cemetery followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service in First Christian Reformed Church, officiated by Pastor Robert Woodyard.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Starfish Ministries, 1706 Front St., #440, Lynden, WA 98264. You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
