Lynden resident Lonnie VanderPol dies at 88

Lonnie VanderPol, a dedicated Christian and mother of three, died peacefully on Oct. 21, 2026. She was 88 years old, having turned that age just two days prior to her passing.

Born in Seattle on Oct. 19, 1938, VanderPol was the daughter of Chuck and Marlys Jobe. Her family relocated to Lynden in the fall of 1944, where she attended the Lynden Public School District. After completing her secondary education, she graduated from business school before marrying Gale VanderPol.

The couple eventually moved back to Seattle to raise their family. While Gale worked for the Boeing company, Lonnie served as a homemaker. She was an avid collector of Delft porcelain and took a strong interest in gardening tulips and thrifting for bargains.

VanderPol’s life was deeply influenced by her faith in Christ. Her family described her as a woman who applied her religious beliefs to every aspect of daily living, including how she raised her children and interacted with her neighbors. She left behind a reputation for offering prayer and encouragement to those around her.

Gale VanderPol preceded her in death. She is survived by her three sons: Jeffrey, Cindy, Mark, and Kenneth, Nancy. Her extended family includes her sister Linda Duim and Gary, her brothers Tom and Phillip, and Betty Jobe, her sister-in-law Judy VanderHaak, and her brother-in-law Ed Ezell. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A graveside service for VanderPol will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at Greenwood Cemetery. Following the burial, a memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. at First Reformed Church. Pastor Chuck Kleinhesselink will lead the ceremony.

VanderPol’s legacy continues through her large family, who cite her values of compassion and family unity as central to her upbringing. Her death marks the end of a long life spent in both Lynden and Seattle.