Donna Pauline DeRyke

DeRyke, Donna Pauline
Portage, Michigan Died Thursday morning, January 8, 2009. Donna was born on August 26, 1926 in Ganges Township, Michigan and was the youngest daughter of Robert and Edith Miller Eubank. Donna worked as a medical social worker at Borgess Hospital for 22 years. She previously worked nineteen years at Brown Paper Company. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gordon DeRyke, of 61 years who passed away in 2006; her parents; and her son, Gary DeRyke. Surviving are three children, Phyllis Ball of Holt, MI, Walt Beth DeRyke of Kalamazoo, and Alice Bill Markle of State College, PA; 5 grandchildren, Jenny, Ken, Kathy, Todd, and Troy; 2 great-grandchildren, Kelaina and Jason; a great-great grand-daughter, Leah; a sister, Roberta Alexander; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Donna graduated summa cum laude from Kalamazoo Central High School in January 1944 with a full academic year of college work from Western Michigan University at the age of sixteen. She interrupted her education to marry Gordon DeRyke on August 26, 1945 and to raise four children. After returning part time to WMU in 1964, she completed her academic work for the School of Social Work in 1973, and was named to the dean's list with a 4.0 grade point average, graduating cum laude. She later received her master's degree in Social Work and started taking classes toward her specialization in gerontology at Western Michigan University. She served on the Board of Directors as president for the American Heart Association. She provided hospice training for volunteers, organized the renewed Hearts Club, and organized the Kalamazoo Stroke Club as well as was involved in many other community organizations. Donna was a member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for several years and was active in Scouting in the Portage area. Donna and her husband Gordon established Boy Scout Indian dance group of Troop 54. Donna had a gift for writing poetry. She collected music boxes, antiques and loved to play the organ. She will be missed by friends and her family. Friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre. Private family interment will be in Prospect Lake Cemetery in Lawrence, MI. The family would like to thank the staff at Portage Tendercare and Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan for the excellent care given to Donna during her illness. Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association or Hospice Services of Southwest Michigan. www.langelands.com