Lucille DeVries

The life of Lucille DeVries truly exemplifies what it means to be a woman after God’s own heart. Whether she was caring for her family, volunteering within her community, or just savoring the words of her daily devotional, Lucille did it all to bring honor and glory to her Lord and Savior. A woman who was always encouraging, supportive, and accompanied by a smile, Lucille had so much to offer those around her. Lucille was an attentive wife, a devoted mother, and a faithful Christian, but it will be her thoughtful and generous spirit that will be so deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

As the decade of the 1910s was drawing to a close, America was still struggling with issues such as child labor and unsafe working conditions. The union demands among the four million who walked off the job during the year 1919 were reflective of these struggles: reduce the average work week of 68.7 hours and increase the "inhuman" pay. This same year was a year of celebration for the family of Edward and Anna (Boomers) Miedema as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Lucille, on March 22nd. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lucille was joined in her family by her older brother Pete with whom she shared a close relationship. Her father owned and operated his own grocery store on Valley Street NW while her mother was kept busy at home. Lucille was raised in the family home on Tamarack Avenue, not far from the grocery store. She attended West Leonard Elementary School and then Union High School, however, she left during the tenth grade. She never really liked school much and since her father could use her help at the grocery store, Lucille saw her work there to be of greater value to both herself and her father than continuing her education was.

One thing that was a constant in the Miedema home was their devotion to the Lord. They worshipped together at 12th Street Christian Reformed Church for many years. As the neighborhood changed, the members merged with Fairview Reformed Church, built a new church on the outskirts of Grand Rapids, and then formed Orchard Hill Reformed Church.

Life during the twenties and early thirties in America was quite different than the life we know today. In many ways, life was simpler and people had fun with things such as board games, crossword puzzles, and movies. For Lucille, a common summer evening activity was to walk up and down Leonard Street just to meet people and socialize. Because the family lived so close to Richmond Park, they had another place to play and swim in the pool during the summer months and slide and ice skate during the winter. Lucille watched the WPA project build the large swimming pool for the west side neighborhood.

It was one of her regular evening walks that would forever change the course of Lucille’s life. On one particular evening in 1938, Lucille made the acquaintance of a young man named Russell John DeVries. There was an immediate attraction between them and a romance blossomed. After dating for two years, the couple was united in marriage on October 10, 1940.

After a honeymoon in northern Michigan, the newlyweds settled into married life together. It wasn’t long before they were blessed with their first of six children, Shirley, in 1942. Shirley was followed by Ron in 1944, Henry in 1949, Russ in 1951, Luann in 1957, and Robert in 1958. Lucille and Russ were also blessed with the birth of a daughter named Nancy Lou in 1955, but she sadly died at birth. Preparing meals on a daily basis was just a part of her loving & giving nature. Lucille enjoyed seeing the family come together at the dinner table and bond with one another.

Faith played an important part in Lucille’s daily life. She was a good reader who was enriched by her daily reading of the Bible and devotionals, and she also enjoyed all religious music. Lucille’s love for her Lord was something she desired to pass on to others. She was a member of the Ladies Aid Society of the 12th Street Christian Reformed Church and also at Orchard Hill Reformed. Lucille’s spirit of giving also led her to frequently volunteer to fold laundry at the Christian Rest Home over a period of many years.

Throughout her life, Lucille enjoyed a diverse palette of interests. She loved to play cards, was good at doing ceramics, and crocheted countless kitchen towels. Lucille’s favorite foods were chocolate and ice cream, and she collected both the ceramic pieces she made and angels.

Lucille DeVries was a special woman to so many others. She had an easygoing personality, seldom got angry or upset, and was as sweet as they come. Lucille was thoughtful and giving and always had a positive attitude. Her enduring faith was the map she used to guide her every thought, word, and deed, and her walk with the Lord gave her the sustenance she needed to accept the sorrows that came her way. Lucille leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories that will be fondly remembered by those she leaves behind. She will be dearly missed.

Lucille DeVries of Grand Rapids died on July 7, 2010. Lucille’s family includes her children: Shirley (Don) Welch, Ronald (Gloria) DeVries, Henry (Bobbie) DeVries, Russell (Linda) DeVries Jr., Luann Opper, Robert (Bonnie) DeVries; also surviving are grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mildred Miedema; and several nieces and nephews. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Russell in 2000. The funeral service will be held on Saturday July 10th, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Orchard Hills Reformed Church, 1465 3-Mile Road NW. Relatives and friends may visit with the family at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van’t Hof – Grand Rapids, MI, 851 Leonard St. NW on Friday, July 9th, 2010 from 7–9 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Christian Rest Home Foundation.