Patricia Helen DeVRIES

Patricia 'Pat' DeVries was born on October 31, 1930, in Spokane, Washington, and peacefully passed away with her family by her side on November 16, 2023, after a rapid decline in her health.

Born to Margaret Stafford and Harold Heintz, Pat faced the early loss of her father while she was just an infant. With her mother's recent graduation from nursing school, Pat was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Katherine Stafford, in Otis Orchards. It was here that Pat attended Otis Orchards Grade School and later, Marycliff High School, and Holy Names College laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and strong community connections.

Pat was raised on the apple orchard homesteaded by her family in the early 1900s, a place that would shape her character and create a lifetime of cherished memories. In the orchard, Pat worked at the roadside fruit stand, where a chance encounter introduced her to William (Bill) DeVries. Two years later, Pat and Bill were married and would celebrate 59 years of marriage before Bill's passing.

After raising her seven children, Pat joined the family business, DeVries Moving Packing and Storage, as a moving consultant. Her caring and personal touch eased countless families through relocations, forming connections that endured beyond the move.

Pat's life was marked by enduring friendships, none more cherished than her 70-year bond with Sister Betty McLellan. Meeting in college, Pat and Sister Betty's friendship transcended time and distance and when Pat moved from her home of 70 years, they became neighbors living side by side at South Hill Village. Sister Betty, and the Sisters of the Holy Names community welcomed Pat, where she served as an Associate for over 40 years, embodying values of faith, compassion, and service.

Pat's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her six children: Michael DeVries (Becky), Patrick DeVries (Susan), Kathy DeVries, Kris Leslie (Andy), Kim Walter (Dennis), and Karyl Christensen (Dan). They are blessed with countless shared memories and are forever grateful for all that Pat brought into their lives.-an enduring legacy of love, joy, and cherished moments that will be carried with them always.

She was also a beloved grandmother to her ten grandchildren, Drewe, Christopher, Kristin, Lauren, Alex, Melanie, Josh, Kelsey, Sidney, and Halley, and a cherished great-grandmother to her seven great-grandchildren, Owen, Declan, Everley, Asher, Jessa, Bentley, and Claire.

Pat is preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill, her daughter Karen, and son-in-law Patrick Christensen.

The funeral mass in celebration of Pat's life will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 219 E Rockwood Blvd, Spokane, WA on Wednesday, November 29th at 1:00

pm with a reception to follow at the Spokane Club. Pat will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Bill, and daughter Karen at St. Josephs Cemetery, 17825 E Trent Ave, Spokane Valley WA on Thursday November 30th at 11:00 am.

The family extends sincere thanks to Pat's dedicated care team, including caregiver Heather Stewner, Mailie Bird, ARNP, and Laura Wintersteen, ARNP. The family would also like to express their appreciation to South Hill Village, where Pat resided for the past four years, for their sincere caring and dedication. You all made a difference and she truly appreciated each of you. Gratitude is also extended to Hospice of Spokane for their compassionate support to our family once again.

Organizations that were meaningful to Pat are: The Sisters of the Holy Names or Hospice House. Online condolences can be made at www.holycrossofspokane.org