Phyllis DeVries

As family and friends can surely attest, Phyllis DeVries truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength for those around her, even in the most difficult of times, and she was well known for her solid work ethic and her unshakeable faith. Nothing brought Phyllis greater joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. She exemplified what it meant to live each day to the fullest. Deeply missed, Phyllis will be forever held in the hearts of those who knew her best.

The 1940s are remembered as a time of great tension for the United States and the rest of the world as WWII raged on. Countless brave servicemen were called away from home to serve, and those who remained stateside faced strict rationing, listened to their radios for news, and supported the war effort in every way they could. It was during this tumultuous time in history that John and Helen (Fongers) Rauwerda were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their firstborn. On August 26, 1941, they welcomed their daughter, Phyllis Ann, into the world.

Growing up, Phyllis was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home on the Southeast side of Grand Rapids alongside her younger brother, Roger. At a young age, Phyllis discovered her passion for music. The family attended Sherman Street Christian Reformed Church, where Phyllis would accompany her mother on piano or organ. Throughout her childhood, Phyllis attended local schools, including Oakdale Christian Elementary. She graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1959, then went on to pursue further education at Davenport Business College, studying to be a medical secretary while working at a local doctor’s office.

It was during her time in college that Phyllis met the man who would quickly become the love of her life. His name was Dennis DeVries, and he was studying business at Davenport as well. The two went on their first date to a Glenn Miller movie at Majestic Theatre in May of 1960. There was an instant spark between them, and over time, their relationship continued to blossom. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Phyllis and Dennis were married on October 5, 1961 at Knollcrest Chapel on the campus of Calvin University. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon at Niagara Falls before settling down on Crosby Northwest in Grand Rapids, ready to step into their future together as husband and wife.

There was nothing in life Phyllis treasured more than her family. She and Dennis were overjoyed to bring their three beloved children, Dan, Dave, and Deb, into their hearts and home. The DeVries family made their home on Haines Street Northwest. Dennis worked at the family jewelry store, and Phyllis worked part time at a doctor’s office while raising her children. She then worked along side Denny at DeVries Jewelry Store for the next 30 years. She thrived in her role as a mother, and she was dedicated to her children above all else. The family attended Seventh Reformed Church, then later became members at Highland Hills Christian Reformed Church, which is now known as Westend Christian Reformed Church. Later in life, Phyllis was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother as well. She adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. Phyllis always considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

The DeVries family enjoyed traveling and spending time together. They had Trailer #27 at Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference in Muskegon, and they would spend their summers there for the next 50 years. Phyllis and Dennis loved traveling to Mexico with friends, and they enjoyed several trips together over the years. The family also took many trips to locations such as Montana, Florida, and Disney. Phyllis and Dennis owned a timeshare for some time, which was the backdrop for countless priceless memories. In 2005, they made the decision to sell the timeshare and buy a home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Phyllis especially loved the sun, dry environment, and mountains of Scottsdale, and she also enjoyed visiting the nearby state parks at every opportunity.

Never one to sit still for long, Phyllis pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She was an avid reader of books of all genres, and she enjoyed playing tennis and golf. Phyllis loved spending time in the kitchen and cooking for her loved ones. She was always willing to make new recipes to try. She was known for her sweet tooth, and her favorite treat was dark chocolate. Later on, Phyllis liked her knitting groups at Maranatha, and she remained faithful to her Maranatha meetings and missionaries. She prided herself on always being well put together.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Phyllis DeVries, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was a shining example of kindness and generosity, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Phyllis was a friend to many and beloved by all. She brought a spark of light to every room, and her insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around her. Though she will be dearly missed, Phyllis leaves behind a priceless legacy that will her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

DEVRIES – Phyllis Ann Devries age 82, of Grand Rapids, passed away on April 23, 2024. She was preceded in death by her brother, Roger (Dee) Rauwerda. Phyllis is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dennis; children, Dan (Kerrie) DeVries, Dave (Gwen) DeVries and Deb (Eric) Nelson; grandchildren, Paul (Emily) DeVries, Erin (Ian) Grotenhuis, Jack DeVries, Benjamin DeVries, Mark DeVries, Cody Nelson and Trevor Nelson; great-grandchildren, Avery, Ellie, Barrett, Rory, Sutton, Oly and Amelia; and two nephews, John Rauwerda and Jim (Jane) Rauwerda. The memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, April 29, 2024 at Westend Christian Reformed Church, 1015 Westend Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI. Visitation will take place from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Sunday, April 28 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW and for one hour prior to the service at church on Monday. Contributions in her memory may be made to Faith Hospice or Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read Phyllis’s life story, submit a favorite memory, photo or to sign the guestbook.