In Loving Memory of Betty Patricia Van Voorthuizen. (née Derkien Devries)

A woman of extraordinary strength, independence, and unconditional love, Betty Patricia Van Voorthuizen entered God's hands on October 12, 2026, at the age of 95. She left this world peacefully, her loving daughter Lorise by her side, holding her hand. Betty was ready to reunite with the love of her life, her husband of more than 66 years, Evert (Van) Van Voorthuizen.

Born Derkien Devries on August 18, 1931, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Betty was given a traditional Dutch name meaning “leader of the people”—a fitting reflection of the woman she would become.

Her character was forged as a young girl during World War II. Following the war, she and her family crossed a storm-tossed ocean to begin a new life in America, arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey. There, her name was changed to  Betty Patricia Devries.

Betty and her family settled in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was proud to be an American and embraced the opportunities of her era. A woman ahead of her time, she pursued a career and graduated from business school.

In 1952, she married the love of her life, Evert. A city girl at heart, Betty adapted to life on the Navajo Nation, where Evert worked. Their lives and work eventually took them and their two daughters to the newly independent nations of Africa, where they lived for more than 20 years. They traveled the world. Betty mastered new languages, welcomed countless travelers into her home, hosted legendary bridge parties to the music of Nat King Cole, and expertly guided her family through international travels and unfamiliar cultures.

In 1982, Betty and Evert retired to Moab, Utah, where they enjoyed 35 glorious years together. She loved the magnificent red rocks and especially enjoyed “chasing waterfalls” when it rained. In her final 6 years, Betty moved to Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, to be with her daughter Lorise and her family. Once again, she embraced a new chapter with courage and curiosity, forging strong friendships and becoming an integral member of her ACTS SpringHouse Estates community.

A woman of strong faith, Betty cherished the Scriptures and lived her life with grace and admirable conviction. She loved music and dancing, lively dinner parties, a good cup of coffee, a good book, and time spent with friends. An excellent bridge and Scrabble player, she delighted in a good challenge and the company of good friends. Pennsylvania's brilliant autumn colors brought her particular joy.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion, hospitality, and love—a life lived fully, with an open heart, a generous spirit, and a welcoming home. She will be profoundly missed for her dry wit, her down-to-earth wisdom, her adventurous spirit, and, above all, her unconditional love.

She is survived by her daughters, Lorise and Joline; son-in-law Hernan, grandchildren;, Alina, Finn and Karla and nieces and nephews in Holland, New Zealand, Wyoming (Abee) and Utah.

Service and celebration of her life details will organized and  provided later by Lorise