Eileen "Lee" DeVries

Eileen "Lee" Francis (VanSchepen) DeVries, age 93, went home to her faithful Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 30, 2023. Beloved wife of John DeVries (deceased). Loving mother to Jeff, Jeanine (Steve) VanderKam, Paulette (Larry) Schaap, Steve, Kristin (Scott) VanVuren. Proud grandmother to Eric DeVries, Amber Uylaki, Phillip (Tara) DeVries, Jeanne VanderKam, Chad (Ashley) VanderKam, Ryan VanderKam, Rachel (Nathan) Carlberg, Jessica VanNoort, Lauren (Marc) Spender, Ben Kuipers and 12 great- grandchildren. Lee was a faithful member of First Christian Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. She touched so many lives through the years through her involvement in church, especially through leading Coffee Break Bible study for many years. She was also active in the Stephen’s Ministry, Prison Fellowship, and many other ministries. She volunteered with hospice and led one of her patients to Christ shortly before he died. She stayed in touch with his family and they all eventually professed Christ also. She participated in the Right to Life movement and did sidewalk counseling in Merrillville. She saved the life of a baby by talking with the parents and leading them to a change of heart. She continued her relationship with that family for many years, and it was a privilege to see him grow up and know how thankful his parents were that they talked to her that day and decided to choose life for their baby. She was a part of the group that helped start a church plant in Thayer, Indiana, (which later became Community Christian Reformed Church in Roselawn) and led Coffee Break Bible study there for many years, making dear friends that she stayed in contact with until they went to heaven. Lee had a gift for writing and poetry. She penned a tribute for each of her children that she read at their wedding. She also wrote a column in the KV Post for DeMotte Christian School for many years. Lee was born to Fred and Johanna VanSchepen on April 22, 1930, and grew up on their farm in Ireton, Iowa. She was the youngest of seven siblings who all preceded her in death. She married John DeVries on September 1, 1951, in Roseland, Illinois. They moved their family to DeMotte, Indiana, in December of 1965. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, January 4, from 10:00 a.m. until noon, with the Celebration of Life Service following at 12:00 p.m. The visitation and service will be held at First Christian Reformed Church located at 1633 S. Halleck St., DeMotte, Indiana. ln lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to DeMotte Christian School or a Christian school of your choosing.

Eileen "Lee" DeVries

April 22, 1930 - December 30, 2023