Eleanor Eva (Woodward) VanDyke

Eleanor "Ellie" Eva VanDyke (Woodward), 82, passed away at her home on March 31, 2019. She was born November 28, 1936 in Big Beaver, Michigan to the late Roy and Florence Woodward.

Ellie was the oldest of 5 children and grew up with her family in Lapeer, Michigan. She was married to Jerry Sowles, and they raised 5 children together in Prairieville. They were self-employed and ran a successful upholstery business in Delton. She later married Bob VanDyke and moved to Kalamazoo. Together there were 9 children.

Ellie was a jack of all trades—she was a business owner, homemaker, and waitress. She did factory work and worked in customer service. Most recently, she was employed by Harding's in Richland, where she was affectionately known as Deli Ellie.

Ellie loved her family and enjoyed spending time with friends. She enjoyed work, taking great care of her home, and much more. She had natural ability to decorate and used this skill in her homes. She took great pride in her home and all the items in her home—this was her greatest accomplishment.

Her family includes her children, Dan, Charlotte, Vickie, Tom, and Brenda; step-children, Robin, Jeff, Randy, and Rick; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; along with sons- and daughters-in-law and many other family members.

Per Ellie's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will take place Saturday, April 6 from 1-3:00PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Interment will take place in Portage Central Cemetery at a later date.