“Well done, thy good and faithful servant,” was heard by Marilyn Kay DeVries Hughes on the evening of Sept. 8, 2023, as she entered the pearly gates of Heaven. Marilyn Kay DeVries, born June 28, 1942, at Marilyn’s Cottage in Sumas, peacefully departed this world with her husband Robert Arlin Hughes of 61 years and family by her side in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She now rests in peace at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Marilyn was the cherished daughter of Harry John DeVries and Mary Ann Ehlers DeVries and shared her childhood, on the family farm, with her older brother Richard Harry DeVries. Ritchie still lives on the family farm with his marvelous wife, Lucy DeVries, in Lynden. On April 20, 1962, Marilyn took her vows of love and companionship with Robert Arlin Hughes. Their union was a testament to enduring love, and their journey together was filled with cherished moments and shared adventures.
Together they lived in Washington, California, Japan, Canada and New Mexico. They had three children, each of whom brought joy into their lives. The oldest is Gregory Dean Hughes and his wife Elsie Hughes, residing in Longview, Texas, and have three children: Kerri, Johnathan, and Eric. Their daughter, Christine Kay Hughes McFall, and her husband Austin McFall, made their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They have two children, Mark and Scott, with his wife Wiebke Dunger McFall. The youngest is Troy Lee Hughes and his wife, Trisha Dvorak Hughes, residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They have three children: Haley, Hayden, and Hudson. Each child, in-law and grandchild brought immense joy to Marilyn, as they inherited her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support.
Marilyn is also survived by several cousins, sisters-in-law Cynthia Hughes Webley and Patricia Hughes Schelling of Bellingham and many friends. She was preceded in passing with her sisters-in-law, Constance Hughes Kelley of Anacortes and Pamela Hughes Roberts of Hutto, Texas.
Marilyn’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and the bonds that tie us all together. She was known for her warm smile, compassionate spirit, and infectious laughter. Marilyn’s memory will be forever etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her, whether as the Rah Rah Queen at Lynden High School in 1960, sitting next to you on a pentecostal church pew, or having you over for breakfast and waffles.
Marilyn touched the lives of many and leaves a void that cannot be filled. We mourn her loss and celebrate the beautiful life she lived. In lieu of flowers, and in her style, Marilyn would request that you would instead invite someone over for coffee, lunch, or dinner. Get to know your neighbors and attend a few more church services throughout the year.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 29 at 1:30 p.m. at Peace Tabernacle, 900 Jefferson Avenue, Alamogordo, New Mexico. A reception and dinner will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Please visit the online guestbook for Marilyn, view photos, and leave a message for the family at www.FrenchFunerals.com.
