Barbara Ann "Robbie" DeVries

Barbara Ann DeVries, 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Barbara was born to Julius and Minna Reinking in South Bend, Indiana, on September 15, 1931. Shortly thereafter she, her parents, and her two older brothers, Bill and Bob, moved to St. Joseph, Michigan, where she lived for the rest of her life.
Barbara, more commonly known by friends as "Robbie," attended St. Joseph High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in teaching from Central Michigan College. She began her teaching career at Edison Elementary School in Kalamazoo. It was there, in Kalamazoo, that she met the love of her life, Dean DeVries. She and Dean were married on December 19, 1954, and spent the first years of their marriage in their home on Ogden Circle in Fairplain, Michigan. In about 1963, they purchased a home on Old Lakeshore Road in St. Joseph, Michigan, and enjoyed the next 59 years of marriage watching the beautiful sunsets each evening over the bluff.

Robbie was a renowned kindergarten teacher for 30 years at E.P. Clarke School, Lincoln School, and the Kindergarten Center, all in St. Joseph, Michigan, and is known and loved by many generations of students in the St. Joseph area. It was difficult for her to go anywhere in St. Joseph without being warmly acknowledged as someone's beloved kindergarten teacher. She was an extraordinary cook and loved to experiment with recipes from around the world. Her husband and boys looked forward to her culinary creations every day!
Robbie was also an accomplished knitter, needle pointer, and seamstress, and the sound of her sewing machine often lulled her children to sleep. Many friends were the beneficiaries of these talents and have beautiful needlepoint pillows created by her talented hands and giving heart. She was generous to a fault and provided funding to several non-profit organizations with her donations. She had a gift for being able to recognize and respond to those in need.

As a past member of Good Shepherd, Trinity, and Peace Lutheran Churches, her faith was at the center of her life, and she had great trust in the Savior and in His promises. She raised two boys, Richard James and John Gary, who adored her, as do her 8 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was highly organized in every aspect of her life, and her checklists for events, dinner preparation, vacations and school plans were a ubiquitous feature in the home.

Robbie's last years were spent at the Caretel Inns in St. Joseph, Michigan. She dearly loved the staff members who assisted her and the residents with whom she dined, exercised, recreated, and shared the stories of life. Her wit, wisdom, kindness, and grace blessed all there with whom she associated.

Robbie was full of life, love, energy, and enthusiasm. She wrote inspiring, moving letters to friends and loved ones and lifted the tide of life wherever she went. She developed devoted friendships that lasted a lifetime, and the legacy she left for all of us will remain an inspiration that will shape our lives forever.

Robbie is survived by her son, Rick and his wife, Dyana, by 8 grandchildren and their spouses, and 19 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Starks & Menchinger funeral home located at 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan. The service will be preceded by a viewing at 10:00 a.m. and will be followed by refreshments at the conclusion of the service. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph, Michigan. Memorials in Robbie's name may be made to the American Cancer Society.