Ida Lorraine Vander Yacht passed away peacefully on Nov. 15, 2023, in Blaine, and has now joined her husband Dick in Heaven.
Born to John and Katie Cowart on June 24, 1933, in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma, she moved to Whatcom County from Oklahoma with her family in 1947 and graduated from Lynden High School in 1951.
After marriage to Dick Vander Yacht at the Lynden Methodist Church on May 2, 1953, they raised their family in Blaine. She enjoyed being a long-time member and volunteer of Grace Lutheran Church in Blaine.
Ida was a dedicated, loving mother, grandmother, and role model. She always thought first of others’ needs before her own, and her greatest enjoyments in life were spending time with and providing for her family and taking care of her kids and grandchildren. She really looked forward to visits by her great-grandchildren.
Ida was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Jay Harrison, husband of 52 years Dick, sister June Jones, brothers Carl Cowart and Jay Edward Harrison.
Ida is survived by sisters Lois Pomeroy of Sumas, and Glenda (Tom) VanDyke of Deming, sons Gary (Erin) Vander Yacht, Dale (Shannon) Vander Yacht, grandsons Josh, Jason (Jessica), Jonathan, and great-granddaughters Abigail and Dylan, along with numerous nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank Stafholt Center in Blaine, and Bellingham Hospice for their care and comfort in Mom’s final days.
Graveside services will be held at Greenacres Cemetery on Dec. 1, 2023, at 2 p.m. under the care of Gillies Funeral Home. There will be a reception at Greenacres immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
