Eileen Marie DeVries (Jensen)

DE VRIES (JENSEN) Eileen Marie Jensen De Vries was born on November 5, 1920 in rural Hesperia-White Cloud, Michigan. She was the daughter of Nelts Jensen and Estella Slocum Jensen. Eileen grew up on farms in the Fremont area and graduating from Aetna School. As a teenager, Eileen moved to Grand Rapids and worked at Globe Knitting Works and also as a domestic aide with families in East Grand Rapids where she excelled as a teacher of small children and also became a dear friend to the families who employed her.

Eileen married Arnold De Vries on February 26, 1943. The couple immediately moved to Alpena and was employed at the Fletcher Air Base there. When the base closed they resettled in the Grand Rapids area. In 1952, the couple moved to their rural Byron Center home. Eileen was very involved in her church and in the 4-H program as a leader.

Eileen loved her Lord and Savior and lived to serve others. She was deeply loved by her entire family as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. Eileen had a contagious enthusiasm for living and learning. She marveled at God's blessings whether working in her garden, designing wonderful creations using her sewing machine, befriending people of any age, or traveling across the US. Her enthusiasm for life spread to all she met.

Eileen is survived by three children and eleven grandchildren.

Carol and Jerry Buteyn Sanborn, IA Jamie and Heidi Buteyn Eric Buteyn Mark and Katie Buteyn Sarah Buteyn

Kathleen and Jerry VanderZwaag Delta Junction, AK Carrie and Thomas Brand Amy and Justin Van Slocum

Patricia and Douglas Door Allendale, MI Jessica Door Gregory and Rachel Door Justin and Annamarie Door

Kathy and David Dean Josie De Vries

Eileen is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, stepchildren Phyllis and Bernie Northuis, Jack and Linda Tiggleman, and sister-in-law: Shirley Jensen Arnold De Vries, Eileen's husband of 51 years, and her second husband of 8 years, John Tiggleman, preceded Eileen in death. Also preceding her in death were her brothers Ralph Jensen, Garth Jensen, sister Pauline Van Ornam, sister-in-law Betty Jensen, daughter Marlene De Vries, granddaughter Marcia Turner and son-in-law, Bill Hoekwater.

Eileen's family would like to thank the staff at Byron Center Manor - Meadow Place for their compassionate care over the last two years of her life.

Visiting hours will be held 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 22 at Cook Funeral Home in Byron Center, 2067 84th St. SW. Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. Noon on Saturday at the funeral home and officiated by Rev. Dale Fopma. Committal services will be held at Winchester Cemetery. In honor of Eileen, contributions may be made to Byron Center Christian School Foundation, Project Hope of Dorr, MI, or Mel Trotter Ministries.

Visitation Friday, May 22 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cook Funeral Home - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th Street Byron Center, MI

Funeral Service Saturday, May 23 12:00 PM Cook Funeral Home - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th Street Byron Center, MI