Betty Jean Van Dine

Betty Jean Van Dine was an extraordinary woman who embraced each day she was given and she lived her life continually cherishing those she held most dear, her family and her friends.

The year 1942 was a year of great trial and tribulation for our nation as we were deeply involved in WWII, which included the majority of the world’s nations. On March 15th of that year, a beautiful baby girl entered the world in Kendallville, Indiana, located in the northeastern portion of the state. Her name was Betty Jean Hoadley and although she lived in Indiana for a time, she soon relocated with her family, including two siblings, to the Holland, Michigan area.

Life took an exciting turn for Betty when she met and married Louis Van Dine. The young couple was soon blessed with the births of five children: Barbara, Jacqueline, Angela, Louis, and Anthony. Betty embraced her role as a mother and lovingly poured herself into caring for the needs of her children. Later in life when grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, Betty embraced them as well, enjoying just being with them.

In addition to caring for her family, there were things that were of special interest to Betty. She loved going to garage sales where she delighted in finding a great deal and she also enjoyed crocheting and reading as well.

Life became more difficult for Betty when her husband Louis died in 1995 leaving Betty to look to her family and friends to uphold her during this transitional time.

Betty was a kind and compassionate woman who showered her family and her friends with her unconditional love. She brightened the days of those around her simply by being who she was each and every day. Betty spent her lifetime making memories which will be forever treasured by all those she leaves behind. She will be dearly missed.

Betty Jean Van Dine, of Laketown Twp., died Saturday February 7, 2009 at Hospice House of Holland. Betty’s family includes her daughters, Barbara (Thomas) Myers, of Parma, Idaho, Jacqueline (Rick) Harbison of Douglas, and Angela Barnes of West Olive, sons, Louis (Jacquelyn) Van Dine of Zeeland and Anthony Van Dine of Holland; grandchildren, James, Charlee, Thomas, Kyle, Louis, Elizabeth, Logan, Britney, O’Keeya, Tyrone, Toshcina and Troy; great grandchildren, Hayden, Cademon and Jordyn; a brother Robert Hoadley of Douglas; a sister, Susan (Robert) Howard of Fenneville. Visit with Betty’s family and friends at 12 noon on Wednesday, February 11 at Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes - Saugatuck Chapel- Saugatuck, MI, 520 Lake St. Saugatuck. Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Gibson Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign a guest register, leave a memory for the family, or make a memorial contribution to the Hospice of Holland.