Dorothy "Dot" De Vries

Dorothy Mae (De Cook) De Vries was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on June 11, 1935 to John O. and Aletta (Rus) De Cook.  She grew up in the Pella area, attending a one room country school through 8th grade, graduated from Pella High School.  She attended Central College for a short time before starting a job at Rolscreen (Pella Corporation).  

Dorothy (Dot) met Maynard (Mayn) De Vries in May of 1955 while she and a friend were jumping over parking meters. They were united in marriage on February 14, 1956, at the Third Reformed Church. They had a lifelong love affair and were blessed with four children: Mark, Mary, Matt and Martha.

Dot was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years, and then went to work at Central College where she started part-time in the Athletic Department.  She eventually started working full-time at the Central College Physical Plant and retired in 2002 to enjoy the remaining days with Maynard. 

Dot was a giving, selfless person who lived her life helping others.  She led by example.  There was never a job too large or too small that she would not tackle.  She never met a stranger, always quick to find a common link with new people and make them feel like they were best friends.  She was involved in many different organizations and groups (Central Auxiliary, Mary and Martha circle, GEMS leader, quilt guild, Blue Birds/Camp Fire leader) as well as contributing hours of her time to the church making Dutch Letters and serving food at Tulip Time.  She was famous for her Dutch Letters, even doing a presentation on a local TV station on how to make them.  Dot enjoyed baking, cooking, canning, gardening, quilting, playing Nuts (card game), chauffeuring her kids (and grandkids) to all of their events, and having everyone over for Sunday dinner.  

Dot and Mayn always described their greatest blessing as their four adopted children.  They chose to take in four gifts from God and raise them as their own, showing them unconditional love that was and is more powerful for all of them than that of their own blood.  They ultimately lived their lifelong dream together, enjoying and spending time with their children, grandchildren and their great-grandchildren.  

Those left to cherish her memory are her family:

(The late) Mark and Laura De Vries of Clinton, Mississippi

Mary and Jim Dowie of Pella

            Jenny and Jared Birath

                        Ellie, Nora

            Matt and Lauren Dowie

                        Hudson, Carter

Matt and Kelly De Vries of Pella

Martha and Tim Verhey of Hendersonville, Tennessee

            Lindsey and Scott Jaggers

                        Raelee, Ambyrlee

            Aletta Verhey (Matt Booe)

            Lydia Verhey (Parker Glasgow)

She is also survived by her siblings-in-law: Ruth De Cook, Kay De Cook, Harriet Van Zante, Carolyn (Harold) Vos, Anna Mae Rouw, Ray (Carol) De Vries, as well as many nieces and nephews.  

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Mayn, her son Mark, her great-grandson Avery Mayn, her parents, her parents-in-law Jacob (Jeanette) De Vries, her siblings and siblings-in-law: Arvin De Cook, Mark De Cook, James (Connie) De Vries, Bernie (Dody) De Vries, Albert Rouw, and Wilbur Van Zante

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