In loving memory of Bernice Donna (Westra) DeVries, known affectionately as Bunny and Bonny, who brought joy, warmth and caring to the lives of those who knew her. Born on March 9, 1929, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bonny lived a life filled with grace, faith, and purpose. She was called to her heavenly home to reunite with her Savior and departed loved ones on June 15, 2023. She passed away peacefully at Blodgett Hospital (Corewell Health) in East Grand Rapids.

Bonny's life was a testament to the power of faith and fortitude, as she nurtured a family who meant the world to her. She is survived by her dedicated son, James B. Nyburg; her cherished daughter, Bara Waters, and her husband, Robert Cassard; her grandchildren, Elijah and Avalon Cassard, and step-grandchild, Dylan Cassard, wife Nicole Eskew-Cassard and great-grandchildren Malcolm and Kaylee Cassard. She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Cheryl Genther, and her children, Tara Genther and Jen Genther Schuette and her children. Bonny's life was further enriched by her youngest sister, Carole Kroes, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by husbands, James R. Nyburg and Richard DeVries, and two dear sisters, Marcia Pastoor and Jeanne Evink.

Bonny was a lifelong learner, whose passion for education never wavered. She graduated from Calvin College in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and later studied for a master's in education at Michigan State University. For 30 years, she served as an enthusiastic and gifted kindergarten teacher for the Grand Rapids Public Schools, inspiring countless children to love learning as much as she did. During her summers, Bonny sold World Book encyclopedias to supplement her income and further share the power of education. Bonny also had a special talent tutoring all grades of elementary children in reading, with a remarkable ability to reach those who struggled.

Bonny had a passion for travel, history and expanding the cultural horizons of her family and fellow adventurers. In addition to many family road trips and explorations, after retirement from teaching she cofounded the international tour company, Trolley Tours, leading group trips to Europe and locally.

Her generous spirit extended beyond her professions, as she willingly lent her time and talents to serve her community. Bonny spent many hours volunteering for organizations such as Wedgwood Christian Services, Bethany Christian Services, 4-H, and Spectrum Health Guilds. Her commitment to helping others reflected her love for Christ.

In addition to her dedication to family, faith, and community, Bonny possessed a rare and beautiful talent for sewing and smocking. She crafted many of her own stylish clothes and clothing for her children, including her daughter's exquisite wedding dress. Her nimble fingers created intricate smocked toddler dresses for children and grandchildren of family and friends. Bonny's flair for interior design was also evident, as she skillfully decorated a series of houses, and even reupholstered her own furniture.

Purposeful, optimistic, and independent – these words only begin to describe the remarkable woman that Bonny was. At age 70, she pulled up stakes from her hometown of Grand Rapids and moved to join her daughter's family in Orange County, California. She fully committed to "grandmothering" with sleepovers, games, and baking exploits, and attended more baseball games, dance classes and piano lessons than can be counted. She quickly integrated into her new community of Laguna Woods, and her sense of fun made her a favorite at game nights and sewing circles. After seven sunny years in California, Bonny returned to Michigan to help care for family members facing difficult circumstances.

Bonny's life was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and her unwavering caring for others reflected the divine love that sustained her throughout her journey. As we mourn her passing, let us also rejoice and celebrate her life, for she has now joined her Heavenly Father. We give thanks for the time we were able to share with her and for the love that she generously bestowed upon her family and friends. May the memory of Bonny's laughter, kindness, and the sparkle in her eye live on within our hearts, as we honor her legacy by living lives of creativity, service, and spiritual devotion.

Bonny's family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, June 22, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE). A funeral service will commence at 1:00 pm at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Sarah Albers.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Bonny's name to these cherished charities: Wedgwood Christian Services or Bethany Christian Services .