Rita VanDyke

Rita K. Van Dyke

Conrad —Rita Kay Emery Van Dyke, 67, was called to her heavenly home on July 27, 2015 after a 20 year battle with cancer. During this period she encountered many hurdles and difficulties but she always beat the odds she was dealt. She remained positive through this battle, and her faith never wavered as she claimed God's promises for encouragement.

Rita was born on September 30, 1947 to Robert and Barbara Emery. She married Kenneth Van Dyke on April 17, 1964 and recently celebrated 51 years together. Rita and Ken got started in agriculture by custom baling and combining. They then started farming east of Conrad until their retirement in 2013. Rita also worked at the Trail Cafe for a short time, then started raising their 3 children. In 1977, Ken and Rita started Intercontinental Truck Body with some partners out of Canada. In 1987, they purchased the local Chevrolet dealership which is operated today as Van Motors by their children.

Rita and Ken enjoyed bowling league and were league champs for many years. She enjoyed the outdoors and loved her flowers and taking care of them. She loved her children and in later years her ten grandchildren. Her life was a demonstration of a servant's heart as she was always taking care of a friend in need. She was blessed to travel many places in the United States and abroad and in later years enjoyed many winters in Indio, CA with her husband, Ken.

She devoted her life to church activities and was a member of the Conrad Christian Reformed Church.

In all areas of her life she was a follower of Jesus Christ. She loved the Lord and claimed the promise that she belonged to him. She played the organ in worship services for over 40 years, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was instrumental in starting the annual fundraiser for the Conrad Christian School by making delicious apple turnovers to sell. When it became so popular that she and other supporters of the Christian School could not keep up with the demand, the dutch apple pie fundraiser began which still takes place today.

Rita is survived by her husband, Kenneth; sons, Tim (Robin) Van Dyke, Ryan (Melissa) Van Dyke; daughter, Tammy (Bill) VandenBos; sister, Phyllis (Steve) Beyer; and ten grandchildren. She also had many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Barbara Emery, in-laws, Norman and Gloria Diedrich; and niece, Pam Diedrich.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 30, at 10am at Conrad Christian Reformed Church. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery. A reception will then follow at Norley Hall. Visitation will be at Pondera Funeral Home tonight from 7 to 9pm.

Memorials in Rita's name can be made to Conrad Christian School or Peace Hospice.

Condolences can be made to www.misermortuaries.com.