Arita Colleen Van Dyke was born to Hattie "Pat" Wyatt Piper and Gerald Piper on October 22, 1928, in Pawnee, OK, and left her earthly home in Hobbs, NM, to enter Christian Paradise on November 22, 2024.

Spunky, sparkle, and smiles are words often used to describe this beautiful woman of numerous diverse interests. Among her many loves, some were embracing family, dancing, baking, entertaining, singing, conversing, educating, animals, friends, playing bridge, sewing, jewelry-making, painting, reading, traveling, church work, and collecting memorabilia.

A warm and loving person, Arita was known by many titles including "daughter," by her parents, proudly, "Mom" to her three sons, "Friend" to so very many, "Mrs. Van Dyke" to her students, and thrillingly, "NaNa" to seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Family who are left to carry on the stories of her contagious joy and many adventures are Brent Van Dyke (wife Kim) of Hobbs, NM; Kym Van Dyke (wife Catherine) of Huntsville, UT; daughter-in-law Jacque (Billy) Flowers of Albuquerque, NM.

Grandchildren, Tiffany (Dan) Wong of Plano, TX, Deihra (Alex) Davis of Layton, UT, Matthew Van Dyke of Salt Lake City, UT, Chance Van Dyke of Wildorado, TX, and Chelsi (Marcus) Hopkins of Lubbock, TX.

Great-grandchildren, Ronan and Tyson Wong, Tyler, Houston and Beau Davis, Lylah Van Dyke, Caige and Colson Van Dyke, and (soon-to-arrive) Cameryn Hopkins.

Arita was preceded in death by her parents Gerald Piper, Pat and Penn Winston; sister, Keadron Salazar; son, Tyson Van Dyke; grandsons Stuart Van Dyke and Chisum Van Dyke, and "Blest" friend, Joyce Walker.

She will forever be remembered as a people-lover and conversationalist making each person feel so loved; as a great entertainer, cook and baker (yes! china, crystal, cloth and candles!); as an animal lover with preferences for herefords, horses and her Honey-dog. Ultimately, she was known as a joy-giver who passionately seized life, love, laughter and always embraced a reason to celebrate.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Methodist Church, 200 E. Snyder, Hobbs, NM 88240

Please join family and friends in Arita's Celebration of Life Memorial to be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10:00 am. First Methodist Church, 200 E Snyder St Hobbs, NM.