Obituary of Betty June Vandercook

Betty June Lake was born on November 17, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois. She is the only child of the late Wilber P. and the late Marie (Engle) Lake. After graduating from high school, Betty furthered her education by attending business college.

Betty lived most of her life in Nebraska where she met the love of her life William Vandercook while he was stationed at a local Air Force base. The couple joined in marriage on November 16, 1955 in Nebraska City, Nebraska. From this union came the birth of five children in which she worked from home to care for her family.

Betty received her spiritual nourishment from Erie Presbyterian Church. She was involved with the Erie VFW Post 3975 Ladies Auxiliary and the Luna Pier Senior Citizens. Betty and her neighbor, Gloria Martinez, along with a few others started the Head Start Program at Mason Consolidated Schools over forty years ago.

Betty June Vandercook, age 92 of Erie passed away on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 1:40pm at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by her loving husband of forty-one years: William Vandercook in 1996; son: Gary Vandercook; and an infant daughter: Linda Vandercook.

To cherish her memory, Betty leaves her children: William Charles Vandercook III of Port Clinton, Ohio, David Allen Vandercook of Erie and Lori Kontz of Pointe Place; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Friends may gather on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 3:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service; 9156 Summit Street, Erie (734)848-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 11:00am also at Merkle’s, with Pastor Christian Taylor of Erie Presbyterian Church officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com.