Linda Carol VanDyke

Remembering Linda

Linda was born on a snowy day, April, 30, 1952 to Almon and Lois Lehman in Dallas, Oregon. One of her memories from childhood involved sewing doll clothes under the cherry trees at home in Eugene, the beginning of a hobby that continued throughout her life, culminating in a passion for quilting that has blessed many babies with warm comfort. It was here, also, that she formed strong bonds of friendship with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

After living in Camas, WA for 3 years the family moved to Newberg, OR where Linda graduated from High School and took secretarial classes at Chemeketa Community College. She worked at the McMinnville Hospital for many years as the Executive Administrative Assistant. She met her husband, John, through a co-worker there. They were married March 16, 1981 in Reno, Nevada and lived from that time until now in Yamhill, Oregon.

Linda excelled in honing her skills as a homemaker as their family expanded with the additions of sons Brad, Casey, and Cory. With her positive approach to life, she was able to make the most mundane activities into fun and memorable adventures while teaching her children valuable life lessons in the process.

She blessed many people with the bounty from her garden which usually produced enough food for many families. Her baking and canning skills also benefited many people and her legendary relish was considered world-famous by those who tasted it.

Her friends and family describe her as a tiny woman with a heart as big as the ocean, and as a jewel. Her rock-solid faith in a loving God was the foundation for her reverent yet cheerful and sparkling approach to life that drew people in like a magnet and always left them feeling better for having been in her presence.

With her children grown, she found great pleasure and fulfillment in being the "baby whisperer," providing loving care for so many babies, including her grandchildren, Charleigh and Juke.

In addition to her husband, children and grandchildren, Linda is mourned by her two older sisters, Elaine and Beverly, and two younger brothers, Ron and Roy, as well as an uncle, many aunts and cousins and a vast network of friends.

Linda passed into the loving arms of Jesus while surrounded by her husband and sons.

In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the

With Courage Foundation to support women fighting breast cancer.

Please send donations to P.O. Box 411, Carlton, OR 97111 or

donate online at: withcourage.org

Her graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 7th at 11:00am. at the

Yamhill Carlton Pioneer Cemetery.

Following the service there will be an outside luncheon gathering at Casey's house.