Bennie Lou Vandenhuerk

Bennie Lou Vandenhuerk died peacefully in her home on April 30, 2020 with her daughters by her side. Bennie was born February 13, 1928 in Yuma, Arizona and was the daughter of Ben and Lura Brock. Mom is survived by two sisters; Nancy Brock and Becky Maynard, four children; Jonna Harness, Douglas Vandenhuerk, Peggy English, and Jim Vandenhuerk, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mom grew up in Hermosa Beach, California. Although a southern California girl, she left that sunny life behind to move to Michigan with her husband John, with whom she shared 71 years of marriage. They loved to tell the story of their chance meeting on a train with dad’s perseverance at story telling finally wearing down mom’s reserve not to give him the slightest attention. Mom and Dad lived many years in his native Michigan, but they also lived in Oklahoma, California, and Arizona.

Mom will be remembered for her lively and “can-do” spirit. A woman with artistic and creative ability, mom found her niche in working with children both at church and through Scouts. She loved to sing and participated in choirs in each new church they joined after a move. Later in life she joined a group of friends and loved visiting seniors at Pennington Gardens in Chandler. Mom loved to laugh and she and dad had many, many wonderful close friends who enriched their lives in each place they lived.

Although mom will be missed more than words can say, we feel blessed to have had her in our lives both as a parent and a friend. We are also comforted by our belief that she is now with her heavenly Father and at peace.