Henrietta (Hendrikje) DeVries Clupper, of Dowagiac

Published 8:00 am Tuesday, August 25, 2015

June 29, 1934 – Aug. 11, 2015

Henrietta Clupper, 81, of Dowagiac passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, Aug. 11, 2015, surrounded by family.

Born Hendrikje to Cornelius and Pieterina (Dena) (Boogholt) DeVries, whom emigrated from the Netherlands, in Kalamazoo, Michigan on June 29, 1934.  On Aug. 4, 1955, she legally had her named changed to Henrietta DeVries.

She attended Washington Grade School and graduated in 1952 from Kalamazoo Christian High School.  After graduation, she worked as a private secretary to Don Charnley of Mutual of New York Life and Health Insurance family planning.  After his passing, she went to work at Bronson Hospital for 21 years before retiring.

In December of 1957, she married Urven (Bud) G. Miller.  They were married for 26 years until he passed.  In August 1984, she married Benjamin Clupper, Jr. and was married to him for 27 years until his passing in June of 2011.

She was a past President of Red Arrow Auxiliary to VFW 1527; past President of Military Order of Cooties Triple Sec #7, the honor degree of VFW.

Henrietta was a life member of VFW 1127 Fruit Belt in Benton Harbor and life member of DAV Post 6 in Kalamazoo.

She was a member of Silver Creek United Methodist Church in Dowagiac as well as President of the UMW.

Survivors include her step-children: Patty (Gary) Bartley, Stanley (Laraine) Clupper, and Howard Neil (Carol) Clupper, and step-grandchildren: Monica (Keith Luke, Jr.), Scott, Michael, and Kimberly Clupper. She has 7 step-great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Her beloved cat, “K.C.,” will miss her dearly.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held at Silver Creek United Methodist Church, 31994 Middle Crossing Rd, Dowagiac, Michigan on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Henrietta requested that any remembrances be made to: Silver Creek United Methodist Church (Dowagiac), American Diabetes Association, or Hospice at Home (www.hospiceathomecares.org or mailed to Hospice at Home, 4017 Chamberlain St. Buchanan, MI 49107).

The family wishes to express its gratitude to the Council on Aging of Cass County, the Area Agency on Aging, Hospice at Home, and members of Silver Creek United Methodist Church for their support and very special care of Henrietta.