Obituary of Wilburta Joy DeVries

Wilburta J. DeVries, 94, a lifelong resident of Niles, passed from this life, and entered eternal life in Heaven, free from pain and suffering, on Sunday, March 29, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, with her two children at her bedside. Wilburta was born April 25, 1925, at home, in Niles to Wilbur and Mabel (Longenecker) Carpenter. She graduated from Niles High School in 1943 and immediately went to work for the former Kawneer Company in Niles, to help support the war effort. Through a chance viewing of a photo on her brother Clark’s locker at Fort Bliss, Texas, she met the love of her life, Donald DeVries, from Coopersville, Michigan. They were married on July 6, 1946, in Niles. A marriage that lasted thirty-eight years and only ended with the death of Donald in 1985. To that union two children were born, Nancy and Timothy. Wilburta was a loving, devoted wife and mother, homemaker. She was known as being “Mrs. Clean”. Her greatest joy was taking care of her family and home. She will be remembered as a wonderful mom, grandmother, and friend. Wilburta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; and her two brothers, Clark, and Bernie Carpenter. She is survived by her devoted children, Timothy DeVries of Niles, and Nancy (Ted) Boone of Tinley Park, Illinois; grandsons, Christopher Boone of Austin, Texas and Gary (Deirdre) Boone of Downers Grove, Illinois; great-grandsons, T.J and Evan Boone; along with many nieces and nephews. Wilburta had been on renal dialysis for over four and a half years, her children would like to say thank you to the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care Center in Niles, for the wonderful and compassionate care through it all. You all were truly loved as family. Due to current circumstances, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A family graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, with Pastor Rob Snodgrass of New Journey UMC officiating.