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Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009
Missing woman last heard from on Nov. 14
Mother and grandmother has a history of depression.
A 50-year-old Merced woman disappeared without a trace earlier this month -- and police are hoping someone will step forward to help find her.
Tracy Veenstra, who's also known by the name Tracy Ann Sims, has been missing since Nov. 14, according to Lt. Andre Matthews, Merced police spokesman.
Family members say when they last heard from Veenstra, she was supposed to be driving her roommate's car on Nov. 14 to a church conference in Modesto. Jessica Cochran, Veenstra's 25-year-old daughter, said her family became worried after learning on Nov. 16 that her mother never showed up at the church.
Merced Sun-Star - Tracy Veenstra
Cochran said the car Veenstra was supposed to be driving to church was still parked at her home in the 300 block of East South Bear Creek Drive. Veenstra's dog turned up at Cochran's Oleander Avenue home on Nov. 14. Cochran said she believes her mother may have dropped the dog off early that morning.
Police say Veenstra apparently took no personal items from her home before disappearing, such as her cell phone and bank card. Detectives also learned that a witness saw Veenstra around 9 a.m. Nov. 17, walking in the 2100 block of North East Bear Creek Drive.
The witness told police Veenstra appeared to be lost.
Veenstra's family members say they have no idea where she could be. They are also concerned because Veenstra has a history of depression and has been known to be suicidal.
Matthews said Veenstra left home without medications, and may not be dressed appropriately for the cold weather.
Veenstra's disappearance has been hard on her family, and they're worried for her safety. "It's the holidays, and we'd like to know where she's at," Cochran said.
She has four children and seven grandchildren. "We love her and we want her to come home," said Amber Veenstra, her 32-year-old daughter.
Veenstra is described as a white, about 5-feet-5-inches tall, weighing about 130 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair.
Police are asking anyone who has any information about Veenstra's whereabouts to call (209) 385-6905 or Detective John Fister (209) 385-4755.
Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.
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