Dorothy "Dottie" DeVries Siebers

Siebers, Dorothy DeVries Dorothy (Dottie) DeVries Siebers (91) was born November 3, 1922 and passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2014. Dot grew up in Grand Rapids and after graduation from the University of Michigan married her South HS sweetheart, Bernard H. Siebers. After schooling, the couple returned to Grand Rapids; Bern opened his pediatric practice and Dot began an ambitious career of volunteerism. Dorothy's passion to serve drove her involvement and leadership in many organizations despite being painfully shy early in life. Her sense of adventure, quick wit and dry sense of humor were appreciated by family and friends. Her love of children, commitment to education, and pursuit of lifelong learning led to volunteering in schools, scouting, church, University of Michigan Alumnae, libraries, musical groups, and township leadership---and traveling with family to US National Parks, Africa, Alaska, China, Egypt, Europe, Australia, Hawaii and Mexico. Particular favorites for her volunteer works were the Presbyterian Church, University of Michigan, Kent County Library Board, and Grand Rapids Symphonette. Dot and Bern were founding members of Oakhill Presbyterian Church and active with Forest Hills Church. Dot served locally as elder, teacher, choir member, youth group leader, and regionally as the first female moderator of the Lake Michigan Presbytery and ultimately elected moderator of Synod of the Covenant. A University of Michigan graduate, Dottie was a life-long "Go Blue" fan and a leader in Grand Rapids' UM Alumnae Association groups as well as serving as a representative to the National Association Alumnae Council. In recognition of her UM service, a "Siebers" group was named in her honor. While serving as a Plainfield Township Trustee, Dot was instrumental in creating the Kent County Library Board and spearheading the expansion of the Plainfield and Alpine libraries. She believed libraries were a vital community asset, particularly for those with less access to resources. Dottie loved music and her cello; playing with the Grand Rapids Symphonette until the age of 89; performing primarily for "the elderly." Despite all the volunteer activities, she put family first and would go to great lengths to watch her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in activities and events. Dot was preceded in death by Bernard, her husband of 64 years, and by her parents Edwin and Edith DeVries. She is survived by her sister Ruth DeKoster, by her children Bernie, Carolyn (Marie Vitale), David and Carl (Kim), grandchildren Rachel (Jeff Fife), Melissa (Joe Skrabis), Brian and Kelli and great grandchildren Jared, Hannah, Madeline and Braylon. The family would like to thank the staff at Clark Retirement Community, Sunrise Senior Living and Kim Oaks from Leaves Personal Care for their love and support. Visitation will be at Metcalf & Jonkhoff (on Cascade Road) on Monday November 3 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday November 4 at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church (Cascade and 36th Street) at 11:00 a.m. preceded by a visitation at 10:00 a.m. There will be a light lunch after the service. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Heifer International, to Forest Hills Presbyterian Church or to the charity of your choice . The family is being served by: