Mary Alice (Vandervinne) Newendyke

Mary Alice (VanderVinne) Newendyke

May 30, 1934 – May 27, 2025

Mary Alice (VanderVinne) Newendyke, age 90, of rural Lanark, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in the loving care of her family and FHN Hospice.

Mary was born on May 30, 1934, in Newton Township, Whiteside County, Illinois, the daughter of Dave and Effie (Huizenga) VanderVinne. She graduated from Erie High School in 1952. As a young woman, Mary caught the eye of Vernon Newendyke, who began calling on her on Sunday afternoons. Their love blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were united in marriage on December 30, 1953, at Newton Zion Reformed Church in Erie. Together, they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage, raising five children and building a life grounded in faith, hard work, and mutual devotion. Vernon preceded her in death on November 21, 2021.

Mary was a loving wife and a devoted mother who worked hard both at home and in her community. She was a gifted homemaker who balanced raising her children with working outside the home. Over the years, she cared for children at the Blain home, worked as a bookkeeper at Whiteside Service Company in Morrison, served as a CNA at the Villas of Shannon Nursing Home, and later became a cherished home caregiver throughout Carroll County. She truly enjoyed getting to know the people she cared for, offering them not only physical care but companionship and kindness. Mary also shared her talents of crocheting, knitting and needlework with family and friends.

A woman of deep faith, Mary was a lifelong servant of the Lord. She and Vernon were members of Newton Zion Reformed Church in Erie, and after moving to Lanark, the Faith Reformed Church of Lanark where she was active as an organist and pianist in worship services, and teaching Sunday School. In her later years, she attended the Church of God in Mount Carroll. Mary served as a past president of the Women’s Auxiliary of Gideons International, a ballot judge for Rock Creek-Lima Township, and was active in Women’s Aglow in Lanark. She also participated in the ACLJ Jail Ministry in Carroll County and delivered Meals on Wheels to those in need. Her life reflected a genuine heart for helping others. Mary’s warmth, service, and steady faith left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Mary will be dearly missed by two daughters, Darla (Larry) Hubbard of Lanark and Lorna Truckenmiller of Shannon; two sons, Richard (Lois) Newendyke of Sterling and Russell (Penny) Newendyke of Milledgeville; a son-in-law, Brian Murphy of Lanark. Fifteen grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; and a sister in-law, Janet VanderVinne of Davenport, Iowa. Mary is preceded in death by her husband Vernon; a daughter, Shari Joy Murphy; a son-in-law, Dean Truckenmiller; two brothers, Harold and Harlan VanderVinne; and both parents.

A Christian funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Lanark, with visitation prior to the service from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Burial will follow at the Lanark Cemetery, and a luncheon will be held afterward at the Church of God in Mount Carroll. For family and friends unable to attend the service, you may may watch the live services here https://www.facebook.com/groups/2408511439527613 .

Memorials in Mary’s honor may be given to Gideons International or FHN Hospice.