Jeanette Van Wettering (87) passed unexpectedly on December 1, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Enumclaw. Jeanette, loving wife and mother, was born February 22, 1936, in Lyon County, Iowa, to parents Henry and Gertie Zoet. Jeanette was the 4th of 5 siblings. She grew up on a small farm northeast of Rock Rapids, Iowa, alongside her siblings, where they were taught hard work ethics.

On April 20, 1956, at the First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, Jeanette married Richard Van Wettering, who was her husband of 67 years. The couple met while in church in Iowa and married before Richard joined the Army. Together they had two sons, Warren and Brad. Being a mother was Jeannette’s greatest accomplishment. In 1969, the family moved to Enumclaw.

The boys were her world, and together, they kept her doing one of the things she enjoyed most- laughing. When she wasn’t with them you could find her working as a housekeeper cleaning houses for busy families. She was meticulous and as a result had many satisfied clients. She did this for a short period until she was hired at Bookter’s Bakery, then moved on to the Bakery Center at Safeway for the duration of her career. Then Jeanette and Dick set off on their 20-year traveling journey in their fifth wheel to the Midwest for family and being snowbirds in Arizona where they had a great time meeting new friends and catching up with family. Jeanette really loved Arizona and spoke of the Good Life resort and her wonderful friends there.

Mom enjoyed her pets, family reunions, antiques, winters in Arizona, traveling, playing cards and visiting with her many girlfriends. The Mariner & Polliwog Group were a dear and special group that was very tight-knit and supportive. They watched each other’s kids grow up and had a great time going out to functions, or each other’s houses, which were filled with laughter. Mom loved these ladies like they were her sisters, and the men like brothers.

Jeanette’s appreciation for life’s small pleasures extended to her fondness for knick-knacks, each one carrying a story and a memory. She had a keen eye for fashion which fueled her passion for shopping on weekends at Kohl’s or Macy’s, or on her travels to Arizona Sunshine Acres for those great finds. She would always stop at the farmers market before heading home.

Jeanette lovingly baked delicious treats for her loved ones and friends. Each cookie, cake, and pie were a heartfelt gesture, a way for her to show just how much she cared. She found solace in the simple joys of life, like making hamburger patties for their Doberman every night while the family had to wait for dinner! Jeanette took great pride in making sure her flower beds were manicured and fed. The roses and flowers always put a smile on her face. She enjoyed keeping her car clean, even later in her years. She was a kindhearted, giving person, always asking what she could do for others and thinking of herself last. Except when it came time to watch ABC News with David Muir. He was her favorite!

Jeanette’s family and friends were very important to her; she prayed for them every day and loved them unconditionally. Her legacy is one of love, compassion, and the joy she found in the simple pleasures of life.

Jeanette is survived by her two sons Warren (Bekey) and Brad (Traie); her sister Evelyn Larson; as well as many loving family and friends who she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard; parents Henry Sr and Gertrude; sister Henrietta (John); brothers Garret (Vivian) and Henry Jr (Wava); and her beloved nephews.

She was a friend to everyone she met. Her selfless nature and giving heart defined her. She will be missed by all who know her and will continue to live on through the memories of those who loved her.

A service of remembrance will be held at Calvary Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 27 at 11am with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to either St. Elizabeth Hospital or Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation for the excellent care Jeanette received from their staff.

Please share a memory on the tribute wall at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.