Davene Foran Hutchins

Davene Foran Hutchins, 75, of Corinth, TX, went home on February 17, 2023, following complications from surgery. She was surrounded by family and died peacefully and pain-free. She was born June 23, 1947, to Dale and Peggy Johnson in Huron, SD. She grew up with her two younger brothers, Mitch and Mark. The family lived near Washington, D.C., then Seattle, WA, and later San Mateo, CA. Finally settling in Phoenix, AZ, in 1959, she completed junior high and high school, where she played clarinet in the band and orchestra. She finished in the top 10 of her graduating class at Maryvale High School in 1965. Having always intended to become a nurse since childhood, she entered the School of Nursing at Arizona State University. It was there that she met Robert “Bob” Hutchins while working together in her dorm cafeteria. Some of their first dates were attending 25-cent movies on the campus. After her freshman year, Bob entered the Air Force to complete a commitment in Southeast Asia, both knowing that they would marry eventually. When he returned on leave in 1968, they began discussing marriage and decided on Wednesday to plan a wedding for Saturday, July 28, at the campus chapel with all their family members and best friends in attendance. After a short honeymoon, Bob returned to service, while Davene returned to school and dormitory life. Following her graduation with a B.S. in Nursing from ASU in 1969, they moved to Florida. Davene’s first nursing job was at Falmouth Hospital on Cape Cod. Her career as a Registered Nurse spanned over 35 years, caring for people in ICU/CCU, as a visiting nurse, and in her true calling as a hospice nurse, caring for patients and their families through the transition of life. She retired in 2006 but always maintained her caring and healing nature, believing strongly in the power of touch. Davene and Bob had two children: daughter Laurel Davene and son Kendall Thomas. She also lovingly took on the role of mother to her niece Sharon and grandmother to Sharon’s children. With the nickname “Grandene,” Davene relished being a matriarchal role model, writing about her insights and wisdom on life and love in her blog, The Village Granny (https://thevillagegranny.com). After living in Phoenix, AZ, Bedford, TX, and Albuquerque, NM, Davene and Bob built their dream home in Argyle, TX. After 24 years, they renovated and settled into their final home in Corinth. They traveled frequently, camping in their RV, visiting cousins and friends, and making memories with neighbors and friends. Davene was very involved in the church, including Faith Lutheran in Flower Mound. She sang in the choir, played in the handbell choir and was an assisting minister. Davene was a talented and creative sewer, quilter and crafter. She taught, led, inspired and loved dozens of fellow artists and creators over the years, making new families of “crafty ladies” wherever she went. She made baby clothes, church banners, Easter baskets, color guard flags, wedding decorations and an uncountable number of quilts. Davene was most known for her love languages of food and hugs, a wicked sense of humor, everything blue and white, and a unique laugh that could be heard over a crowd. She had a love for antiques, music and making all things beautiful. Davene was predeceased by her mother Peggy (PicKell) Johnson, father Dale Johnson, stepmother Beverly (Freeman) Johnson and beloved aunt Irene (PicKell) Newell. She is survived by her husband Bob Hutchins; daughter Laurel Thomas, son-in-law Jeff and grandson Mason; son Kendall; niece Sharon Ruggieri and husband Michael, and grandchildren Mikey, Jake, Jimmy, Matt and Katie; brother Mitch Johnson; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. Family and friends are welcome to wear blue at a memorial celebration at Faith Lutheran Church, 6000 Morriss Road in Flower Mound, TX, on Saturday, February 25, at 2 p.m., which will also be live-streamed on the church’s website. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your favorite charity in memory of Davene.

Davene Foran Hutchins

June 23, 1947 - February 17, 2023