Mrs. Lorraine June (Hoover) VanDyke, 96, passed away into the loving arms of Jesus surrounded by her family on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Cherry Blossom Manor in Hart. She was born Sept. 11, 1928 in Muskegon to Arthur and Ida (Telleson) Hoover. She married Robert “Bob” VanDyke Oct. 7, 1950, and they had 46 years together before he preceded her in death in 1996. 

A hard worker her entire life, she had multiple jobs, and she and Bob owned a number of businesses in Shelby, including Northland Bar, Van’s Party Store, The Soap Box laundromat and Van’s Variety. 

Eagle-eyed and cardsharp, Lorraine was a shrewd businesswoman and very competitive. She liked a good steak, a good drink and a good Red Wings game. She enjoyed camping at Kibby Creek Campground near Pentwater for many years and often played cards with her friends. She liked jigsaw puzzles, was an avid reader of both books and newspapers and will always be remembered for her extensive collection of over 2,000 bells. 

Lorraine was very active throughout her life, bowling and winning trophies in various leagues, playing bingo, and traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe. From sporting events to recitals and everything in between, she was a fixture at her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s many activities. Her great-grandchildren fondly remember how she always brought them popcorn whenever they saw her.

Food was a source of joy in her life, as she loved to go out to eat, especially with her sisters. She kept many of her favorites stocked for her grandchildren to enjoy, including Famous Amos cookies and Ruby Red Squirt. She was also the first to volunteer to bring green bean casserole, homemade fudge or her signature potato salad to holiday parties and family gatherings. She enjoyed cooking on these occasions as well, whipping up pizzas, pronto pups and other fried treats. Coffee was also a staple in her daily life, and she drank up to eight cups a day. She even kept a backup coffee maker, just in case.

She enjoyed shopping, especially with other family members in tow, and was always well dressed, with her hair permed, her lipstick on and a rain bonnet or two tucked in her purse. Lorraine enjoyed decorating her apartment for each holiday and season, and had an impressive Christmas village and display of Snowbuddies. 

Lorraine was a tough cookie, but had a soft laugh and a wistful gaze. She rarely smiled in pictures, but enjoyed the smiles on her family and friends’ faces when she gave them gifts. She did have a habit of saying that something “was interesting” if it wasn’t her particular cup of tea. She also enjoyed making various crafts and sold a number of them.

Lorraine was an active member of the Shelby United Methodist Church in the later part of her life. Her final years were spent at Cherry Blossom Manor, where she received excellent care from the staff there and was befriended by many of the residents. Her family will be forever grateful to them, and also to daughter-in-law Lorrie VanDyke, who visited her regularly and was instrumental in making sure all of her needs were attended to.

Lorraine is survived by: her children, Arthur (Sally) VanDyke of Greenfield, Mo., Alan (Chong) VanDyke of Bossier City, La., Gregory (Diane) VanDyke of New Era, Kevin (Lorrie) VanDyke and Robert (Mary) VanDyke both of Shelby and Jeffrey VanDyke of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Dyan (Juan) Sanchez, Robert “Bobby” VanDyke, Robert “Bo” (Nicole) VanDyke, Michael VanDyke, Adam (Taylor) VanDyke, Chris (Holli Richards) VanDyke, Connie (Brian) VanDerZanden, Amanda (David) Dodge and Cody (Kara) VanDyke; 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Doris Stroup, Wayne (Susan) Hoover and Marilyn Bradfield; sister-in-law, Kay Sikkenga; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Arthur and Ida Hoover; husband, Robert VanDyke; infant son, Robert VanDyke III; granddaughter, Jennifer VanDyke; great-grandson, Alex Buentello; and daughter-in-law, Virginia “Jenny” VanDyke; siblings Virginia (Ward) Crampton, Charles “Bud” (Marie) Hoover, Donna (Charles) Dagen, Bertram “Pete” (Eleanor) Hoover, Betty (John) Sturdefant, Carol (Bernard) Harrell and Richard “Dick” Hoover; brothers-in-law, Lester Stroup, Garry Bradfield and James Sikkenga.

Her funeral service will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 North Michigan Avenue, Shelby, Michigan, 49455, with a graveside service immediately following at Mt. Hope Cemetery, 2990 W. Woodrow Road, Shelby, Michigan, 49455, with a luncheon afterwards back at Harris Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, and one hour before the funeral service on Saturday at Harris Funeral Home.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Cherry Blossom Manor Activity Fund or The Oceana Echo newspaper.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of her arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com