On February 17, 2017, after a long illness, Cora J. (Corky) Van Dyke, 89, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with her family by her side.
Corky arrived in this world on May 4, 1927, the second of seven children born to Crawford and Marie Applegate. She grew up in the Helena valley, attended Helena public schools and graduated from Helena High in 1945. Shortly after graduation she married her high school sweetheart, Robert (Bob) Van Dyke.
Bob and Corky lived in Helena until 1968 when they moved to Clancy and purchased the general store. Thus began a rich and rewarding period in the lives of the entire Van Dyke family – a life full of fun, love, new and special friendships and a real taste of community. During their years in Clancy, and after selling the general store, Corky and Bob entered into several different business ventures including ownership of Prospect Exxon, obtaining the janitorial contract for the Clancy School and management of the original Legal Tender restaurant. Also, during this time Corky had the opportunity to serve as Assistant Sergeant of Arms for the Montana Legislature – an honor she was very proud of.
After retiring, Corky and Bob enjoyed the activities of their children and grandchildren, camping with friends and family, occasional golf, their coffee gang and their beloved little home on the hill above Clancy.
Corky was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her parents Crawford and Marie Applegate, her sisters Margaret King and Relpha Gilreath and her brother, Dick Applegate.
She is survived by her children – Dick (Jan Magee) Van Dyke, Gretchen (Bill) Hedge and Bob (Gaylene) Van Dyke, her grandchildren – Sarah (Chris) Doering, Dick Van Dyke, Nicholas Van Dyke, Josh (Kelly)Van Dyke, Danielle Van Dyke and Bethany (JP)Allen, her great grandchildren – Trevon Van Dyke, Ella and Eric Doering, Owen Van Dyke and two little ones waiting to arrive this summer. Corky is also survived by her brother Clarence (Jean) Applegate, and her sisters Nan (Joe) Tillo and Joan Sieler.
Corky’s family wishes to extend special thanks to the residents and staff of Aspen Gardens who loved and tenderly cared for her during her stay there. Special thanks, also, to her many dear friends and church family for their love and support.
A memorial service celebrating Corky’s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow immediately in the social hall of the funeral home. Memorials in Corky’s name are suggested to the Clancy United Methodist Church, 3 N. Main St., Clancy, MT 59634 or to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit below to offer her family a condolence or to share a memory of Corky.
Mom and Nonnie – Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. -Author Unknown
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday February 24, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday February 24, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday February 24, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday February 24, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Jim and Linda Gillett says
To the family of Corky. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Corky, she was a wonderful lady and have fond memories.
Jane Culler says
I have been Corky’s neighbor since 1995 and she has been such a delight. She had become very precious to me over the years. Whenever I’d stop by to visit, she almost always had fresh made cookies to offer and a cup of coffee. I will miss her dearly. I learned to not stop by during baseball season because she’d be glued to the Mariners games on TV. She (and Bob) were the best neighbors anyone could ever ask for.
Barbara Faas-Creel says
Corky graduated in 1945 with me. Our High School class has had many reunions and she always help organize them. This class always met on the last Friday of the month at Jorgensons restaurant and Corky always sat at the corner of the table so she could see and visit with everyone and she would order a cup of clam choulder. We will all miss her smile, conversations, and love that radiated from her. Our prayers and sympathy go out to the family, she will be greatly missed.
Shirley says
Corky was our neighbor for several years in Clancy before they moved to the top of the hill. The VanDykes were such good friends. They were the best in the Clancy store or the Legal Tender restaurant and were such friendly people that any business they went into succeeded. We had many hilarious and happy times together. She will be missed by many people.
DARLENE MILLER SCOTT says
Dick, Gretchen, and Bob & Families, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Your parents were always so much fun to be around. Even tho we know that these times are coming, it is never easy when they do. You have my sincere sympathy.
Lisa says
I’ll miss having Corky around — she was always such a pleasure to be with and spend time with. She and Bob were one of a kind — friendly and fun. My sympathy goes with the family.
Marilyn Wine-Olson says
Bob and Corky became so many of us Clancy kids grandma and grandpa by default just because they were so awesome. My heart and prayers go to your family. Thank you for sharing Corky with all of us, she was a very special lady. She made an impact on my life growing up. Her hugs, smiles and her kind words will always stay with me along with the bus ride conversations I had with Bob. God has gained a gift like no other.
Anita Burke says
Corky and Bob were such a wonderful part of the community for so many years.
In this time of grief, may your family be enveloped in shared memories of her warm laugh, excellent cooking and generous spirit.
Wanda Tonnesen says
Dear Gretchen, Dick, and my brother-in-law, Bob – I’ve known your mother and father since I was 13, I realized the other day. I loved to visit them. They were such sweet, happy people. I remember the time your mother helped me plan a tea social by giving me a bunch of cookie and sandwich recipes. Also, her homemade caramels were the best. I also remember her frog decorations. Everytime I came home to visit, your parents were on my list to see. My biggest regret is that I didn’t live closer to visit them more. I will miss that visit when I come home. I loved your mother very much.
Steve Marks says
Dick, Gretchen, Bob and Families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Looking back on your Mother and Dad brings back great memories of our child hood days and the great days at Clancy, always a smile and a “how is it going today?” Cherish those memories, they will never be forgotten and one day we will be able to reunite!
God Bless,
Steve and Laura Marks
"Mike" & Charlie Phelps says
Dear Family…I knew Corky and Bob for many years beginning when Bob worked at Samsons Grocery. Your Mom was always a delight and fun to be around. I always looked forward to seeing her at the summer concerts in the park. We are so very sorry to hear of her passing. She made such a wonderful impression on so many people. She will be terribly missed.
Shirley Cole says
Corky was one of the most awesome women I had ever met. She was someone that when you met, you would feel you knew her for years. Even though I am not an actual citizen of Clancy anymore, I feel I do because I grew up there and my heart is still there. Bob and Corky were very dear to the Price family and we love them dearly., Rest in peace with Bob and may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Blessings.
Tim Easton says
Dick and family.
So sorry for your loss. I remember your Mom and Dad from the store in Clancy. Always enjoyed visiting with them. They are now together again.
God Bless you all.
Sandy Bradford says
Bob and Gaylene (and family), Dick (Jan) and family, Gretchen and Bill (and family) – Bill and I send our heartfelt sympathies to you in the loss of your Mom. What a darling picture of her! Gretchen – you look like your Mom 🙂 Remembering with fond memories all the times we saw you all eating together at Los Casadores. What a precious family you are! We will miss the celebration of her life in person – but know we join you in celebrating her and you all – we have been and are blessed by knowing each one of you. With special caring, Bill & Sandy
Paul & Bobbi "Foran says
So sorry to hear about Corky. She was such an awesome lady and raised some wonderful kids.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
dave anderson says
Dick — my sympathy to you and your family. I never knew your mom but did know your dad when he drove bus for my kids. My thoughts are with you all !
marsha grondin says
to the family of Corky,your mom was so friendly and such a lovely person.your dad drove my children to school for many years . the Van dykes will be missed very much.God bless their family. marsha grondin
Dorothy Farrell says
Our thoughts & prayers go to all the VanDyke family. Corky was such a special person to me. We moved to Clancy the same time as they did & we shopped at the store. I enjoyed working for Corky & Bob at the Legal Tender. So many memories!
Chuck and Valerie Lane says
To Dick, Gretchen, Bob and your families,
Valerie and I are thinking of you as you deal with this difficult time. We remain connected to the Clancy area through family and friends and for us, your folks were always part of that connection. Your father’s indomitable sense of humor and your mother’s genuine smile are just two of our many wonderful memories of them. They will be missed.
Jessie (Work) Lesofski says
Please accept our condolences on Corky’s passing. She was a wonderful warm woman who touched many people. I met her when I was a very timid 1st grader at Clancy School. She took me under her wing and let me stay and “Help” her clean the classroom after school and then would walked me to the bus for Bob to drive me home. In later years she and Bob took on the job as class parents for my 8th grade year. They truly had a big impact on those early years.
You’re in our prayers,
-Jessie Lesofski and family
Donna King says
Our deepest sympathies. Some of my fondest memories of living in Clancy are centered around the neighborhood we grew up in. Corky & Bob were a huge part of that. Taking care of their dogs Spooky & Daisy always brought joy to my heart.
The King family
Rick Marks says
Dick, Gretchen and Bob, the sweet smile and hug I always got from Corky, always made my day. You and your families will be in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time. May you find comfort knowing how much joy your mother brought to a lot of us. God bless you all.
Jan and Bob Vogel says
Dick, we were sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. May God comfort you during this time and always
Leslie Beniger says
Dick and family, we are alll saddened by the loss of your Mom, there is truly nothing like a mother’s love. Please know that the three of us are with you spiritually during this difficult time. We aren’t able to attend the funeral today as we are taking care of a sick grandson. Sorry we haven’t gotten to see you since you have been home but when the mountains call you back come spring, let’s all get together.
With love,
Ed, Leslie and Wanda
Peggy and Greg Doering says
Dear Bob, Dick and Gretchen, and the entire VanDyke clan,
Nonnie was a very special and caring mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Our sympathy and prayers are for you as you gather to remember her smile, laugh and that special twinkle in her eye. Our family was blessed to be able to know her in our lives. Prayers and hugs to you all,
Peggy and Greg Doering and Jeanne and Bob Jones, Mike and Helen Jones, Susan Jones, and the Spokane/Boise clan
Susan R. says
Sending you love. Corky was such a wonderful lady. I have many fond memories from as early as I can remember to the last time I saw her this summer. She will be missed.
Erin Martin says
Our thoughts and prayers to you all from Alaska. We were blessed to have gotten to know Corky over the past 10 years, and won’t forget the sparkle in her eye whenever she had a conversation with our kids. Anyone could see the pure joy she found in being surrounded by her family and friends. May you find comfort in your memories.
Erin, Robert, Caitlyn, Madyson, & Brayden Martin
Claudene Carkeek says
I hadn’t seen Corky in years, but she was one of my early childhood memories. We’ve lost one of the great ones. And Joan, I think of you with every grade school memory from Central! God bless you and your family in this difficult time. Love, Claudene Cary Carkeek