La Grande, Oregon
Irene DeVos “Tu-Tu” Stuart, 79, of La Grande, died Aug. 5, 2004, at her home after a short illness.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in La Grande. The Rev. Father Hank Albrecht will officiate. Private interment will be later.
Irene was born on July 29, 1925, at Baker City to Edgar and Maria DeVos. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Belgium in 1921.
Irene was a successful businesswoman for many years, a world class cook and homemaker. She took great pride in her flowers and yard. She loved to decorate for the Christmas holidays, inside and out.
Irene was a devout Catholic. Her faith was her foundation and her family was her fortress.
Irene was an avid animal lover. She fed and found homes for all stray cats and dogs that were lucky enough to land on her doorstep. Her favorite charity was the Blue Mountain Humane Association.
“Irene leaves a large hole in the hearts of everyone she touched. She was a hard act to follow,” her family said.
Irene was married to the late Dr. Robert L. Stuart, who died in 1983.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Linda Danes and Rick Snyder of La Grande; son and daughter-in-law, Robert A. and Stacey Stuart of West Linn; grandson, Ricky D. Snyder of La Grande; a very special nephew, Dr. Gary DeVos and his wife, Shirly, of Baker City; niece, Debby DeVos Cantrell of Aloha; nephew, Tony DeVos of Astoria; stepdaughters, Joetta Stuart Smith of La Grande and Theresa Stuart Kennedy of Maui, Hawaii.
She also was preceded in death by her mother and father and an infant sister.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Blue Mountain Humane Association through Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande, OR 97850.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, August 13, 2004
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor