Doris Jean Dykstra Vander Haak was born to Henry and Clara (Duim) Dykstra on Jan. 11, 1937 in Lynden. She grew up on the Wiser Lake Road family farm with sisters Shirley and Clarice and brother Dale. It was a dairy farm with Jersey cows, Belgian draft horses, chickens and a large garden. Her aunt lived up the hill and another uncle lived across the road; as a child she was surrounded by family. Doris and her cousin Janet were the best of friends and had many adventures.
Doris graduated from Lynden Christian High School. She worked at McLain Drug Store, first in the soda fountain mixing up green rivers and chocolate malts. Later she clerked, and then was their bookkeeper for many years.
Doris married her high school sweetheart, Richard Vander Haak, in February 1958. Rich and Doris were blessed with a wonderful marriage and had four children. They bought a big, old house on the Hannegan Road and for 50 years made many memories there.
Doris loved her family and friends and she blessed them by being a wonderful homemaker and hostess. Her Sunday dinners for her family were her gift. She was happiest when her entire family was together. There was always enough food, it was always delicious and there was always room for the grandkids to bring their friends. Her friends were dear to her and she loved meeting them for a walk or coffee.
Doris was a member at Bethel Christian Reformed Church where she blessed many with her prayers, cards and notes, meals for the families with new babies, and with visits and cookies for the widows. She enjoyed making quilts at Bethel one afternoon a week and working at the LCS thrift store one morning a week for years. She was always looking for ways to help others in her quiet and consistent manner.
Doris loved to go to Hawaii, cruise to Alaska, take road trips and go camping. She enjoyed going to her grandkids’ games and concerts. She enjoyed LCHS basketball games and tournaments and Seattle Mariners baseball. Most of all, Doris loved doing these things with her husband, Rich.
Doris was preceded in death by Richard. She is survived by her children, Tami (Fred) Rylaarsdam, Kathi (Jeff) Jansen, Ken Vander Haak and Jodi (Bill) Van Straalen; her grandchildren, Danny (Jessica), Sam, Max (Kassie) Rylaarsdam, Derek (fiancée Tia) and Wyatt Jansen, Zach, Katelyn, and Jenna Vander Haak, Alex (Serena) and great-granddaughter Aurora, Levi (fiancée Katelynne) and Hana Van Straalen. also her brother, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.
Doris died on June 8, 2018. She was ready to see Jesus and to be welcomed at the gates of heaven. Burial will be at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, in Greenwood Cemetery, where she played as a child. The funeral service follows at 2 p.m. in Bethel Christian Reformed of Lynden where her life as a quiet, Godly woman will be celebrated with thankfulness by her family and friends.
Memorials may be given to Lynden Christian School, 417 Lyncs Dr., 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 of Lynden.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.
