…It becomes my sad duty to inform you of the death of our Worthy Sister Betty Van Dyke on April 8, 2023… “Seen through the eyes of faith, we remember our sister not as one dead–she has only gone on before us the gates of the Grange Above, where dwells the Great Master of us all.”

In dedicating my book to her, I noted, “I came to appreciate both her knowledge of Grang teachings and her commitment to what I later understood to be the Grange way of life. Anyone who knows Betty will understand that we didn’t always agree, but Betty truly practices the Grange Motto… In essentials unity; in non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.” I shall certainly miss her energy and enthusiasm for the Grange and for life. On behalf of the members of Valley Grange and the many Grangers around the state who knew and loved her, “We give thanks for the good example and friendship of our sister Betty who has finished her course and now rests from her labors…” and we offer our sincerest sympathy to all who loved her.

Family and friends may visit from 1 PM until the time of the funeral service at 2 PM Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. The complete obituary and access to the tribute wall are available here.