Abby DeVries

Abby DeVries, 90, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on April 29, 2026. Abby was born on March 15, 1936. 

A devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished friend, Abby will be remembered for her connection to others, her genuine personality, and her passion for quilting. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Milo R. DeVries; her father, J. Gerald Vinkenmulder; her mother, Margaret Vinkenmulder; her in-laws, Milo George and Fannie DeVries; and her sister-in-law, Julie Chamberlain, and nephew, Stephen Chamberlain.

Abby attended Michigan State University, graduating with a degree in Home Economics, which she applied throughout her life in creating a warm and welcoming home. She married Milo on June 20, 1959. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their three children in Alto, their home shared with many beloved canine companions. Abby was an avid sewer, but her specialty and true joy was quilting. She lovingly stitched and created intricate quilts for many family members, friends, and local community organizations, leaving behind a legacy of comfort and artistry. In the fall and during basketball season, you could always find her wearing her green and white attire, passionately cheering on her beloved Michigan State Spartans.

Abby is survived by her sisters-in-law, Marian Bouwer (John) and Suzanne DeVries Thompson (Michael); her children, David DeVries (Mary), Abby Whiteford (Jim), and Cindy Wolff (Dave). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Abby Holmes (Brett), Nikki Mulder (Kevin), Sarah Wejrowski (Scott), Milo DeVries (Jillian), Brennan Wolff, and Myla Watts (Franco), as well as five great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She is also survived by special family members Scott and Karen DeVoll, Allen DeVoll, and Mallory Giebink (Marcello). 

A memorial service to celebrate Abby's life will be held on May 17 at 2:00 PM at Porter Hills Village Meeting House. The family will receive visitors before the service during a visitation at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Abby's memory may be made to the UMRC Porter Hills Foundation for Scholarships or to the Grand Rapids Symphony. See below for addresses and web sites.

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