Jerri Kutchen-DeVries
April 13, 2008
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Service Details
Jerri Marie Kutchen-DeVries left this life on April 13th 2008 at her home in Des Moines. A visitation will be from 2-4 PM Saturday, April 19th at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home.
Jerri was born August 20, 1960 to Gerald and Edith Kutchen in Des Moines. She was a lifelong resident of Des Moines living on the southside for many years. She worked as an attorney for the State of Iowa in the revenue and finance department. She loved swimming, picnics and going to the lake, but most of all spending time with her kids and her animals.
She is survived by her kids, Quin and Baylie; mother, Edie Mendenhall – Kutchen; her former husband and friend, Dave DeVries; a host of aunts, uncles and cousins and a dear friend for many years, Toni along with many other close friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jer who died on April 7th 2008. The family is comforted by knowing that Jer and Jerri Marie are together taking care of one another and watching over the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Christ the King Playground Fund.
www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Terri (Leege) Putney
04/18/2008
Edie
I am so sorry. I can't imagine the hurt you must feel, but please know that I am thinking of you and praying for your strength. Jerri was my best friend!! A true friend. You have always been such an important part of her life, and I knew that always. Growing up, we shared our parents. You were a wonderful mother to Jerri, and I always felt special too. I remember the many days we spent over there at your house. The times we would drive around listening to Elvis songs and singing so loud and eating pizza.
Jerri was there for me when my father needed her blood. She gave it with no reservation and with all the love she could muster. It was an awesome thing to see her after so many years (probably 20+) but when I saw here... we were back in high school. Then when my dad did lose his battle, again she was there for me. I tried to contact her after hearing the sad news about her dad to let her know that I was there for her too, but I could never get her at home. I guess I thought that I would try again later. I truly wish I would have tried harder. I will never forget what a wonderful and loving friend she was to me. We shared many memories those two days were were together, and I will charish them forever. My only regret is that my daughters didn't get to meet the most incredible friend anyone could ever have. Please know that my heart is with you. I had many friends, but only one true friend...Jerri Marie. All my love....
Terri (Leege) Putney
04/18/2008
Quin and Bailie
My name is Terri and I just needed for you to know what a great person your mother was. She was a true friend in every sense of the word. We were friends from 4th grade on. I was known to her as "Legs". We grew up together and shared our parents. My folks loved her as if she were their own. Your grandma and grandpa were my parents too.
I know that she is so proud of you and what you both have become. Just know that she is looking down on you with love and pride. I wish that I had had the opportunity to meet you both, but talking to your mother, I feel like I have known you all my life. Your mother was a loving, caring, devoted and amazing person and I will NEVER forget her. Maybe someday we will meet and I can share with you some of the memories I have with your mom. She was great. Please take care and know that many, many people are out here praying for you and for your healing.
Love always
Renee Mulvey
04/19/2008
Jerri loved her family, friends, animals and life. She was empathetic to others' sorrows and needs. No one was beneath her; she put everyone ahead of herself. We miss her already.
Julie (Christian) Shimko
04/18/2008
Even though it's been many years since I've seen Jerri (after the arrival of Quinn) we were very good friends @ Kurtz Jr. High & Lincoln High School. We shared alot of laughs and good memories in our teenage years. Hanging out at Ted's Coney Island w/ Edie eating french fries after school! Those were the good ole days. And Lorrie Patton was in our close knit circle of friends! 3 muskateers!
I am very shocked & saddened of this news today. espeically so soon after the passing of Jer! He was a wonderful dad too! My prayers go to Edie in her double time of sorrow.
Jerri will truly be missed by her classmates/ friends & Family.
She was a wonderful woman who lit up the room when she entered it! I'm so happy that I knew her.
May God Bless
Julie( Christian)Shimko
Urbandale IA
Hope Forster Alexander
04/18/2008
I can not express how shocked and saddened I was to hear about your
husband and Jerri. I think of your family often and all the fun we had
at your house during our newspaper days! Please know you are in my
thoughts and prayers.
Anita Garrison
04/17/2008
When I heard the news of Mr. Kutchens passing, my heart went out to your family, and most especially Jerri because I remembered how close she was to her father. And scarcely before I could get used to that news, I heard about Jerri, which was utterly heartbreaking!
Jerri was a beautiful person, loving and devoted Mother and Daughter, and a good friend. She was truly a beacon of light for many who knew her, especially in times of anguish. I remember our many creative endeavors both during and after work when we would put our heads together be it for writing poetry for contests, crafts, movies, lunch or whatever. We lost touch throughout the years, but she was regularly in my thoughts, along with her family.
While I believe her spirit lives on, the knowledge that she is no longer where we can see or talk to her leaves an empty place in my heart. I will always remember her and feel much sadness that I didnt take the chance to get together with her in the recent past.
My condolescences to the entire family, most especially Mrs. Kutchen, Dave and the kids. She will be sorely missed! I pray that you all find strength, peace, and trust that she is in good hands, along with her Dad. I know she will be looking out for you all (along with Grampa) and guiding you along your ways.
May God bless you all,
Anita
Shirley Weeks
04/17/2008
I loved knowing Jerri and her warm smile. It was a treat to be in
her life. I will pray for her always as I'm sure she'll be praying
for all of us.
Opal Current
04/16/2008
Jerri had such pride in her children, parents, cousins, friends, and to a certain "grandmother" she admired for "making a stand".
Jerri had a way of showing and sharing empathy to the lowest and to the highest in the social "food chain". And she was respected for her caring and sharing.
Quin: You will never know what a delight you brought when you arrived, and how proud your mother and father have always been of you. You will ever be able to walk proudly, encompassed by that love.
Baylie: What a special lady you are! You have given so much joy and pride to yoru parents. You have a smile and a kindness that will melt the world around you. Walk proudly. Your mother will ever be smiling!
I have received many blessings in my life. One special blessing was knowing Jerri.
Dawn Johnson
04/16/2008
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband/Grandpa and Jerri so close together. I hope it helps to know that so many loved Jerri and will miss her because of the wonderful person that she was!!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!!! Dawn Johnson
Angel Tew
04/16/2008
Jerri will always be in my heart.
She was a wonderful person who always had time to listen and give advice and make you feel better about life decisions.
I will miss her dearly.
CHRIS BROWN
04/16/2008
I AM YOUR NEIGHBOR AT 1404, I ALWAYS LOVED IT WHEN JERI SENT DOWN A CHRISTMAS TRAY OF GOODIES. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ANYTHING.
CHRIS BROWN
1404 CARRIE AVE