Ella Mabel DeVore

Ella Mabel DeVore, age 101, died Sunday, May 21, 2017 at the ShorePointe Nursing Center in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. She was born October 9, 1915 in Erin Township (Eastpointe), Michigan, daughter of the late William and the late Lena (nee: Oming) Hagedorn. Born in 1915, a simple arithmetic exercise tells the story of how this wonderful lady transcended the centenarian mark to reach 101 years old. At 101, just imagine all that Mrs. DeVore has seen and experienced throughout her life? And much to the grace of God, she was blessed to live out the majority of that life (right up to this last year) while still retaining a sharp and attentive mind. Like most Mom's and homemaker's of Ella's era, she was certainly adept and talented when it came to meal preparation and was considered to be quite the great cook and baker. Give her a workable kitchen and a little time and Ella possessed the "right stuff" for making magic happen. Of course, one would have been hard-pressed to find something that she didn't make well. But when it came to the opinions of her family, the winners that stood out were definitely her Spaghetti & Meatballs, her delectable Chicken & Dumplings, and everybody's favorite, her mouthwatering Turkey Pot Pie. Each were tasty concoctions that provided a meal that was fit for a King, but the real anticipation came with every thought of Ella's incredible Lemon Meringue Pie. The perfect "cherry-on-the-sundae" (as it were) to an already outstanding meal was enjoyed with each lemony bite of Ella's baking expertise. Another wonderful hat Ella wore as the family's matriarch was that of babysitter,…a caring position she filled with glowing and appreciative gratitude from the parents of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Yet even though it was a responsibility, to Ella it was an opportunity to create another warm memory of the precious moments that matter in life. At 101, Ella had also become the eldest member of the family at their annual Family Reunions in July. From its beginnings in 1889, Ella made sure that the tradition would be upheld and was a consistent attendee year after year. This past July found her a bit more dependent than in recent years, but she was there,…faithfully, and in honor of the loved ones who came before and made it such a special occasion. Speaking of faithful, it's a word that succinctly describes Ella's connection to her church, and the close relationship she shared with her Lord in Heaven. A longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church in St. Clair Shores, she was more than merely a church attendee. To Ella, her membership was truly an active one. Whether it was helping to get the coffee ready for the various functions,…assisting with the MCRest evenings the church hosted,…or volunteering her time with the many "Clothing Day" outreaches that Bethel held. Ella was quite the organizer and helper and did much to prepare for this special and meaningful ministry of the church,…and of her heart. Ministering for Ella also came in the form of helping the sick and indigent, and just basically being there for all those who were in need. Often times, her care and compassion was wonderfully extended through the countless hours she spent at the Martha T. Berry nursing center in Mt. Clemens. A phrase that many would probably assign to Ella's involvement there would be "volunteer." But for all who were the benefactors of Ella's care, they'd probably call her "angel." Possessing the work ethic of a farmer, the caring nature of a nurse, and the heart of a saint, Ella conveyed the finest aspects of who she was at the core and effected it all with the heart of a true servant. The Catholic's had Mother Teresa,…the Lutheran's had Sister Ella, at least from a local perspective. And if all the above doesn't speak well enough to Ella's giving nature, then it can be capped off by sharing how passionate she was when it came to saving the Earth and all of us doing our part to keep the Earth strong and healthy. One of the ways she accomplished this was through recycling. Diligent and committed to the nth degree, Ella filled her bin week after week as a way to be an example for everybody. When she lived at her apartment building, Ella was noted for going around to her neighbors and collecting from them as well, just another emanation of this lady who shared her heart unselfishly. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Ella's longevity carries with it a host of wonderfully incredible memories shared with loved ones and friends who have been a part of her life's journey. That journey was speckled with blessings of all kinds, but none as cherished as those in the company of family. God gave her many to care for and love, yet Ella had a way of making each one feel unique and genuine,…as that is how she held them close. A strong and faithful servant of our Lord,…she is now absent from our presence here, but safe in the arms of God. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Ella was the beloved wife of the late John DeVore, and formerly of the late Evandro Contri. Cherished mother of Danny (Doris) DeVore, Carol (Larry) Gilin, Katie (Dwight) Carne, the late Patricia DeVore, and the late Lillian May Contri. She was the loving grandmother of Kristina (Matthew) Lorio, Michelle (Robert) Vermeulen, Cheryl (Charlie Schaab) Gilin, Debra (Sageev) Oore, Teresa (Jeff) Meller, Erin (Andrew) Ropposch, Jen (Kyle) Stogiera, Michael (Chris) Schiller, David (Julie) Schiller, and great-grandmother of Luke, Madeline, Harmony, Leah, Isaac, Elliot, Quinn, Gavi, Eden, Avery, Seeley, Joe, William, Mikayla, Hailey, Caden, Max, and Myles. Dearest sister of Fred (the late Dolores) Hagedorn, and preceded in death by siblings, William Kegler, Raymond Hagedorn, Laura Martin, Mildred Bogenreider, Edith Bogenreider, Hazel Price, and Norman Hagedorn. Visitation for Ella will be held Wednesday, May 24th from 5-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. She will lie in state on Thursday from 10:00 am until time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 am at Bethel Lutheran Church, 26400 Little Mack Avenue in St. Clair Shores. Memorial donations are welcomed to Bethel Lutheran Church, 26400 Little Mack Avenue, St.Clair Shores, MI 48081,…or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) Please share memories of Ella at her memory book above.