It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Betsy Elaine Van Weerdhuizen, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, passionate gardener and a woman whose heart was deeply rooted in her love for God. She departed this world on Oct. 14, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love and beautiful memories.
Betsy was born on June 22, 1952, in Bellingham, and was the third child of Alvin and Alyda (Kaemingk) Mulder. She attended Sumas Christian Grade School and Lynden Christian High School. After graduating in 1970, Betsy spent a year at Dordt University in Iowa.
Upon returning from Iowa, Betsy married Darrel Van Weerdhuizen on Nov. 19, 1971. Betsy worked at the Everson Cannery for a few seasons and at Peoples Bank, but spent most of her career as a cherished school librarian at Nooksack Elementary School where she was known simply as Mrs. V. Someone who truly had a love for books and children and made every day better for those who knew her.
Betsy and Darrel raised three children: Travis, Grant and Chase, on their farm in Everson and created a beautiful home and a place for their grandchildren to visit. Betsy’s grandchildren loved nothing more than reading with her, telling her stories from their day and helping her in her garden.
Betsy is survived by her husband, Darrel; sons Travis, Grant (Emily), and Chase; grandchildren Draven (Travis) and Mila (Grant and Emily); siblings Butch (Joyce) Mulder, Joanne (Mike) Forthun, Edith Burke; and many nieces and nephews.
Betsy was a long-time member of the Everson Garden Club and, together with her sister Edith, became a certified Master Gardener through the Washington State University Extension Program. Her garden was a place of great pride which hosted many garden tours over the years including the 2007 Whatcom Horticultural Society Garden Tour and was also featured in a July 2018 Lynden Tribune article.
Betsy was not only an avid gardener, mother and grandmother, she was a woman of profound faith. Her belief in God was the cornerstone of her life, and she exemplified His love through her actions, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family. She had an active role at North County Christ the King in Lynden and instilled the values of compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude in her three sons and her grandchildren.
Although most people will remember Betsy by her smile, her humor, and her green thumb; her family will remember her as the glue that held them together. She was a friend and confidant in her later years to her boys and their spouses and was always around to lend an ear with an open heart and mind.
A memorial service to honor her life, faith, and love for God will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to www.fredhutch.org/donate.
She will forever be missed and forever cherished.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
