CHERYL DeVRIES

Alaskan Cheryl DeVries, 58, died Feb. 12, 3003, of cancer at her Eagle River home. A funeral was held at the United Protestant Presbyterian Church in Palmer on Feb. 18. Mrs. DeVries was born Oct. 27, 1944, in Anchorage to Jack and Ferne Leek. She grew up in Palmer and graduated from Palmer High School in 1962.

She married her high school sweetheart, David DeVries, on June 1, 1962. In July 1962 they moved to Los Angeles where her husband attended school. Less than two years later they returned to Eagle River where they remained to live and raise their family. Mrs. DeVries began working as a secretary for the federal government and worked her way up to a contracting officer with the FAA. She retired in November 2001 after 33 years of service.

She was part of the Anchorage Motor Mushers and often volunteered her time. She enjoyed traveling, arts and crafts, a good laugh and the theater, but most of all spending time with her family. She also enjoyed gardening, collecting angels and snowmachining.

Her family said, "Cheryl was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed."

Survivors include her husband, David; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Rocky Morin of Palmer, Jennie and Wade Wyatt of Idaho Falls, Idaho; brother and sister-in-law Michael and Mary Leek of Danville, Ark.; sister Jacqueline Leek of Palmer; grandchildren Rachel, Tony, Nicole, Christian and Ty; great-grandson Hayden; mother-in-law Jessie DeVries of Palmer; brothers and sisters-in-law Marie and Roy Keen of Palmer, Andy and Dawn DeVries of Oregon, John and Marilyn DeVries of Anchorage; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Her parents preceded her in death. Arrangements were made with Evergreen's Eagle River Funeral Home.