Rachel Ann Vanderwerf

Rachel Ann Vanderwerf
June 3, 1937 - November 2, 2023
Rachel Vanderwerf, 86, passed away November 2, 2023 with her family by her side in Portland, Oregon.
Rachel was born in Portland, Oregon to John and Bernice Haskell on June 3, 1937. She attended Rose City Park and Shattuck Grade Schools and graduated from Grant High School in 1955.
Her first job in high school was as a long distance operator for Ma Bell. When her children were growing up she worked part time in various jobs. She worked at Moore Oregon Dry Kiln as their payroll specialist for many years. Her last job was at DSU Peterbilt and GMC where she worked as their Payroll Specialist until she rode off on the back of a Harley into retirement in 1999. This gave her time to travel and spend more time with friends and family.
Rachel married Joseph Vanderwerf on October 17, 1957. They lived in Tigard, Oregon where their first two children Kathy and Joe were born. They then moved to their forever home in St Johns (Portland) where they welcomed two more children, Mary and Ron. They enjoyed life together raising their family until Joe's passing in 1992. They started many family traditions, one of which was their annual camping trip to Central Oregon which is carried on by their children and grandchildren to this day.
Spending time with her family and friends was her greatest joy. She loved camping, traveling around the country, trips to the beach, going on drives, visits from her friends, neighbors and family and playing her favorite slot machines at the casino. In her early years she also enjoyed her bowling leagues and her Bunco group. She still met for lunch with some of her Bunco gals up until her passing.
Rachel is survived by her children and their spouses: Kathleen and Gary Longfellow, Mary and Ricky Thompson, Ron and Patty Vanderwerf. Her seven Grandchildren and their spouses/fiancé: Brian and Courtney Longfellow, Tara Longfellow and Marco Uzcategui, Jennifer and Jeremy Cernac, Lydia and Torey Bates, Jacob, Hannah, and Joshua Thompson. Great Grandchildren: Emma, Bowen, Emilia, Eleanor, Lucas, Elsie, and soon to arrive Owen. Cousin, Suzy, Sister-in laws, Penny, Joann, Judy and Cheryl, and brother-in-law John as well as several nieces and nephews and her beloved cat Puffer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Haskell and Bernice Young, husband, Joseph Sr., son, Joseph Jr., long time companion Eugene Speer, siblings Robert Haskell and Mildred Norris, sibling-in-laws Adeline, Jim, and Larry Vanderwerf, and Sally and Albert Schmit.
Rachel had a wonderful life filled with happiness and joy. She was surrounded by so many people who loved her. She appreciated all her family and friends. Rachel's family would like to thank everyone for all the love, support and friendship you have given her over the years.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Hustad Funeral Home, 7232 N. Richmond Ave. Private interment will be at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Portland.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Rachel's memory to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) or Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org).
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