Carol DeVries

Carol Ann DeVries, age 90, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Born in 1934 in Grand Rapids, Carol was one of five siblings. She met her high school sweetheart, Jack DeVries, at Central High. Despite heading off to rival universities - Jack to U of M, and Carol to MSU where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma, the two remained inseparable. After graduation, they married and had three children, Scott (Barbara) DeVries, Brian (Tamara) DeVries and Laura Hugger.

Following Jack’s unexpected passing, Carol displayed great strength, raising their three young children. The family returned to Michigan from Milwaukee, and Carol built a successful career with Village Bells Realty. She cherished a close circle of lifelong friends who shared bridge nights, travel, and dinners. She was also active at Eastminster Church where she joined the Ruth Circle Sisters, helping raise funds for local charities through their annual jewelry sales.

Carol’s talents were many. A masterful knitter, she created beautiful sweaters, blankets, hats and socks for family and those in need. Her love of baking became a second act in retirement when she became the unofficial pastry chef at Schintz, her son’s deli, where many of her recipes live on today. Carol also found great joy in gardening and watching the many birds that visited her yard. Her gift of hosting was unmatched as her dinner parties were legendary for their warmth, elegance, and her famous desserts.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Margaret VanLoo; siblings, Richard “Sonny” and Gordon; and her grandson, Brian “Evans” DeVries.

She is survived by her siblings, Nancy (Tadd) Seitz and Jim VanLoo; grandchildren, Sarah (Chris) Sturm, Greg (Amanda), Chris, and Mark DeVries; great-grandchildren, Owen, Kwynn, and Isabella (arriving summer 2025); and two beloved nieces, Kendra and Allison. Carol will be remembered for her strength, creativity, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

A service to celebrate Carol’s life will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, 11:00 AM at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 where friends may visit with Carol’s family for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or to a charity of your choice in Carol’s memory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol DeVries, please visit our floral store.