Angela Agnes Haverkamp DeVillier, 95, of St. Mary’s, Kansas, peacefully passed from this life to her eternal home on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

Angela was born on February 17, 1922 on a farm northwest of St. Benedict, Kansas. She was the eldest child of John F. and Theresa Olberding Haverkamp.

She spent her early childhood years in the St. Benedict area. When Angela entered the sixth grade, the family moved to Fidelity, Kansas. She graduated from the Fidelity Parochial Grade School and attended the Fairview High School. Angela graduated from St. Mary’s High School in St. Benedict with the Class of 1940. Following graduation, she entered St. Anthony Murdoch Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as a registered nurse in 1944.

Angela strived to be an exceptionally caring nurse. She was employed by the Seneca Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri before joining the U.S. Army. Angela served her country as a U.S. Army Nurse, 2nd Lieutenant. She was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado during World War II. During her time in the Army, Angela met the love of her life, Russell DeVillier. The two were married on September 4, 1946 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict by Rev. Cyril Bayer, O.S.B. In 2006, the couple celebrated 60 years of marriage.

As newlyweds, Russell and Angela moved to Emporia, Kansas. Angela was employed by Newman Memorial Hospital, while her husband completed his Education Degree. She was a school nurse at several schools in Kansas, meeting the health care needs of the school children. Angela’s first assignment was serving as a librarian at the Wetmore schools from 1975 to 1983.

Honesty, humility, generosity, perseverance, and hard work were the guiding principles of Angela’s life. She worked rigorously on the family farm with her sister, Cecilia, in her early years. She helped raise her younger siblings, acting as a constant presence of comfort, responsibility, and support.

Angela was a decorated daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. She served the Lord all the days of her life. Angela was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Rosary, her husband, children, grandchildren, and family. They were all the recipients of her unconditional love. Angela was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Mary’s and an honorary member of the Women’s Sodality at the church.

She loved to send mail to her loved ones, writing many beautiful cards and letters to family and friends throughout the years. She was a genuinely kind, patient, and giving soul. Angela brightened the lives of many with her laughter, nurturing personality, and love. Angela will be remembered with great love by those whose lives she enriched.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell DeVillier, in 2006; daughter, Jane Davida DeVillier in 1966; and three brothers, John Henry Haverkamp in 1926, Kenneth A. Haverkamp in 2006, and Lillis Haverkamp in 2012.

Angela derived great satisfaction and pride from her family. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Dr. James(Jodi) DeVillier of Roxboro, North Carolina, Stephen DeVillier of Lawrence, Eugene (Cheryl) DeVillier of Wellsville and Lorraine (Mitch) Poell of Lenexa; seven grandchildren, David (Alicia) Poell, Lauren Poell, Phillip (Katie) DeVillier, Paul DeVillier, Stephanie DeVillier, Charles DeVillier and Catherine DeVillier; siblings, Cecilia Kohake of Sabetha, Luella Curti of Seneca, John J. Haverkamp of Seneca, and Henrietta Dressman of Baileyville.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM on Thursday, December 21 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Friday, December 22, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband and daughter in the church cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Wamego At Home Assisted Care for the exceptional care their mother received. Sincere appreciation to Carla, Chrishelle, Maureen, Catherine, and Patti. Also, appreciation to Midland Hospice for their care, compassion, and support.

Memorials may be given in Angela’s memory to the St. Mary’s Cemetery, and sent in care of the family.