Vera Claire Van Schaick née Dingman

Vera Van Schaick passed away on December 16, 2023. Born in Ventura, California, in 1931, she was raised in a loving family with strong local ties. Vera’s grandfather was prominent early Ventura County photographer Waldo H. Dingman, Sr. Her father, Waldo H. Dingman, Jr., was the surviving “Last Man” of the County’s Last Man’s Club – a group of 32 sailors who set off to serve in World War I.

A work of art herself, Vera was an artisan, rarely at rest with her life filled with many talents. Widely known as a ceramist, she began creating in 1976, in Santa Barbara. With a move to Sonoma County in 1984, her pottery studio, Joy Ridge Pottery, opened with fellow ceramist and husband Jack Van Schaick. While continuing her own craft, Vera opened the studio to others, teaching the art of ceramics. An animal lover, for many years, Vera’s property among the redwoods was home for up to six llamas, with one being an award-winning beauty.

Vera was a modern-thinking lady with grace and manners from a bygone era—her entry to any setting was casually regal, exuding warmth—and her home was open to all with a welcoming atmosphere, comforting meals, and beautiful artistic works.

Vera is survived by her children Allen Main of Mexico, Robert Main (Rose) of Hawaii, Cynthia Main Klante of Ventura, Dyan Scholz of Ventura, and her grandchildren Taryn Reed Applegate (Brian) and Wesley Reed, Mary Beth Main, Chenoa Gundershaug and Maia Black, along with great-grandchildren Jackson Applegate, Madeline Applegate and Olivia Applegate, Charles Reed and Stephen Reed, Kai Gundershaug and Emmet Gundershaug, Jade Markham and Gemma Markham, and cherished partner Erich Jones. Most recently, pre-deceasing Vera was her husband Jack Van Schaick, granddaughter Jennifer Reed, and her beloved brother David Dingman.

Memories of Vera from her friends, extended family, and others familiar with her, or her lineage, would be valued by her family and may be mailed to 1563 San Nicholas Street, Ventura, CA 93001.