Mary Ann Vandehey

Mary Ann Vandehey, age 86, of Cornelius, Oregon, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025.

Born on July 8, 1939, Mary Ann was the eldest child of Lawrence and Leona (Roth) Kleinschmit. She was born in San Diego, California, spent part of her early childhood in South Dakota, and later moved with her family to Mt. Angel, Oregon.

After finishing school, Mary Ann moved to Portland, where she began working for Safeway as a Keypunch Operator. It was at a local dance that she met the love of her life, Albert "Hap" Vandehey. They married, and this past May celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Together, they made their home in the community of Roy, Oregon, where they raised their four children.

In addition to working as a librarian at St. Francis of Assisi Grade School and later at Banks Junior High School, Mary Ann's greatest calling was that of a devoted homemaker. She and Hap tended a large garden each year, and she spent countless hours canning and freezing fruits and vegetables. Each summer, she expertly sewed school clothes for their children.

Mary Ann's life was rich with interests and creativity. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, knitting, weaving, painting, and traveling throughout Oregon in their motorhome. She and Hap also enjoyed their time with the PT Cruiser Club, after purchasing their signature purple Cruiser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Leona; her brothers, Ron and Jim Kleinschmit and her sister, Janis Huskey.

Mary Ann is survived by her beloved husband, Hap, and their children: Jeanette (Mike) Arnold of Cloverdale, Barb (Rick) Colson of Banks, Sharon (Scott) Meeuwsen of Forest Grove, and Chris (Angie) Vandehey of Forest Grove. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, her siblings Kay Shaw, Rosemarie Frey, Nancy (Gary) Hackley, Joyce (John) Matteson, and Elaine Nelson, along with many nieces and nephews.