CHARLENE SUE DEVRIES, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt ,cousin and friend....peacefully passed away into the arms of the Lord March 16th, 2017 after a brief illness.  She was surrounded by family, friends and love. We were blessed to have had Liberty Health and Wellness and Asana Hospice at our sides, to them we express our most heartfelt gratitude.

 

 

Charlene was born in Iowa, September 19th, 1928 to Cyrus and Esther Grove. Her siblings included Elizabeth, Helen, Donald and Ava (Avie). Char was a Christian and attended both Lutheran and Methodist Church.  She graduated from Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa then met and married Warren C. DeVries from Sheldon, Iowa.  They had two daughters, Denise and Julie.  After the passing of her sister Elizabeth, Charlene legally adopted Liz's daughter, Debbie giving Char three girls. Char has 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  Her girls would like to share the beauty of their mother with the utmost respect and dignity. 

 

Our mother was a joy to all that knew her. She was tireless in her care and concern to others.  She gave of herself in an unwavering selfless manner.  She sacrificed for the needs of others.  Her heart was compassionate and gracious. She welcomed everyone into her home sharing love, laughter, warmth and her amazing baked goods. You were not allowed to leave her home without always taking away some of her goodies!  Our mom was so very humble and thankful in her life.  She had such appreciation for the smallest of things.  She adored her family and friends. She has lifelong friends from 64 years ago that had still been getting together. Marty, Bert and Shark, many blessings and thanks for the friendship you have shared with our mother.

 

 

To all that have stayed close to mom through the years you are very aware of her infectious laugh and humor, she truly was a hoot!  What a gift!!  Thanks for the laughs mom!  We moved Momma to Kansas City 8 years ago to be closer to Den and John.  With continued visits and love from Julie and Debbie mom had been very happy in her darling yellow home.  Within a matter of a few days we were incredibly blessed with moms neighbors, Greg and Charlene, yep another Charlene...who have been a huge part of our family since. Every night they enjoyed being with mom sharing time with her and tuning in to Wheel of Fortune! 

 

 

Through John's illness they have helped with mom and allowed Den to be there for Johns ongoing medical necessities.  Thank you Greg & Charlene with heaps of love.  For all of you that have traveled out of town at many various times....Avie, Julie, Vanessa, Hope, Stephanie, Robert, Debbie, Roger, and this summer Lael, Ryan, Nicole, and Scott with little ones in tow, thank you all for being here.  Shawn,  Brandy, and Rich we can't thank you enough for the  special times bringing your daughters to visit Great Grammie Char. Avie, your nieces can not thank you enough for the hours you sat with your "sisto" to allow us to get moms house done. Thank you to Miranda for all your hard work and the years of doing mom's hair, she thought the world of you!  You all know what you have meant to her.  Stephanie, you were so amazing in what you did for Grammie and don't ever stop making your famous "toad in the holes" that mom loved so !!!  Robbie, there isn't a one of us that can thank you to the fullest for you and Emily & Elsa taking moms beloved "Duffy" kitty into your home and loving him.  That mattered deeply to Grammie that her "Boy" was kept in our family. You too Deb !!  Hope, the gift of your beautiful voice was amazing for Grams and to all the other people lucky enough to hear you as well!!  Thank you honey !! Our mom was given a beautiful gift of guardian angels, Camille and David.  Your kindness and love shown to our mom throughout the years have forever been etched in our hearts with gratitude. 

 

 

Our Momma has known many friendships throughout her 88 years.  A friendship that has grown deeper than ever was what she shared with our precious Pee Wee Riggs.  She and her dear husband, Paul are some of the finest people you could ever be fortunate to meet.  Sadly we lost our Paul last year.  Char's son-in-law Johnny Mark Fennig also preceded her in death. Pee Wee, you have been there for we girls always, don't know what we would do without you, we love you.  It has been very important to honor all of you who we love and that have loved dear Little Momma Char.  Sweet beyond words and cute as could be. 

 

 

Our family would again like to thank ALL of the employees from Liberty Health and Wellness for never letting us down and providing our loved one with the utmost care and respect. We have made many lovely new friends in all of you.  Asana Hospice, you were there every minute, your support and prayers were a tremendous help in such a difficult time.  I don't think Julie, Debra, Charlene or I could have had made it without all of you and Chaplin Glen and Chaplin Harold at our sides.  Christina, you were there with us at moms passing.  We love you honey and thank you for your tenderness. 

 

Our mother's much loved surviving family members are daughter Denise & John Heishman, their children Stephanie L. Heishman & Macy, Shawn & Brandy Old and daughter Astrid, Richard Heishman and daughters Charlotte & Sydney, and Robert Heishman and friend Emily.  Daughter Julie R. Fennig and her children Vanessa & Scott Gould and their sons Grayson & Eli; Nick Fennig, Patrick Fennig and   and Hope Fennig. Daughter Debra and Roger Mason, their children Lael Mason, Ryan & Nicole Mason and sons Calvin & Harvey. Her sister Ava (Avie) M. Eichler, her daughter Erika and Ted, and daughters Taylor and Catie. Sister, Helen Wendel. Cousin, Camille and David Kundert.  Her forever friends, all equally important, Pee Wee Riggs, Charlene & Greg Alewel, Bert & Shark Viktor and Marty Alexander.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Asana Hospice, 9001 State line Rd., Kansas City, MOb64114.  Thank you greatly, Den, Julie and Debbie.