Marilyn Ruth Devries

Marilyn was born in Chicago, IL to Albert and Frances Kloosterman. She was a devoted, giving, and hardworking wife and mother. Last year she was widowed at the passing of her husband of 45 years, David G. DeVries. Marilyn is survived by sons Christopher of Kearney, NE and Eric (Susan) of St. Augustine, FL. She is also survived by grandson Dakin of Kearney and her sister Beverly Boeringa of Allendale, MI.

Marilyn grew up in Crestwood, IL and graduated from Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights, class of 1971. In 1975, she attained a bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Wheaton College in Illinois. Marilyn worked for the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board headquartered in Chicago for 18 years. After as many winter commutes as she could tolerate she sought transfer and moved with Dave and her sons to Jacksonville, FL in 1995. Shortly after relocating Marilyn changed careers deciding to build a financial advising franchise with Ameriprise Financial, initially focused on serving the local railroad worker retiree market. She persevered through major financial market upsets to grow a successful business over 24 years and ultimately retired in 2022.

Marilyn deeply felt, thoroughly reflected on, and beautifully acted out her faith and love of Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church congregation and loved her church family as she did so many others.

She remained active in the Orange Park, FL chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) for 27 years. In the past she volunteered her time in a variety of ways including refugee aid and bellringing for the Salvation Army. She was excited to have just completed her first tax season as a volunteer preparer for the AARP.

The family requests memorial contributions in Marilyn’s name be directed to Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in gratitude for their Adult Christian Education ministry or via donation to the Orange Park ABWA scholarship fund.

A visitation will be held for Marilyn on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:30am - 11am, at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, followed by a Celebration of Life beginning at 11am, with a reception to follow.