Mary Ann DeGroot

Mary Ann (Stevens) DeGroot was born in Aitkin, MN to Louis and Ann (Gorter) Stevens. She was the oldest of six siblings and was raised on a dairy farm near Leota, MN. She attended Leota Christian School through the eighth grade and later graduated from Southwest Christian High School in Edgerton in 1965.

On December 22, 1965, she was united in marriage to Daryl DeGroot, just weeks before his deployment to Vietnam. During his leave, they enjoyed a honeymoon in Hawaii. Following his deployment, Daryl and Mary Ann settled on a farm south of Edgerton near Daryl’s parents where they raised their family.

Daryl and Mary Ann adopted their infant daughter, Heidi, in 1970. Patrick and Melanie joined the family in 1978, and in 1981, Darren was adopted, completing their family of six.

Family life on the farm consisted of milking cows, feeding calves, raising chickens, gardening, crop farming, walking bean fields and feeding hired help.

In 1986, Daryl passed away in an automobile accident. Following his death, Mary Ann moved frequently before settling in Chandler, MN.

Mary Ann found great joy in growing and sharing flowers from her beautiful backyard. She said she found peace in her heart by working in her garden. She seldom passed up a good rummage sale and loved to share the treasures with grandkids and loved ones. She cooked and baked delicious meals, sharing with family and neighbors. Wherever she lived and worked, she was known as a wonderful neighbor and friend, always ready with a fresh pot of coffee.

Mary Ann worked a variety of jobs throughout her life, including the Leader Café in Edgerton; CNA at Edgebrook Care Center; substitute paraprofessional at Edgerton Public School; and Deremos Greenhouse every Mother’s Day weekend.

Mary Ann entered Hospice of Murray County in Slayton, MN on April 28, 2026. She was welcomed into Jesus’ arms on Friday, May 1, 2026, surrounded by her family.

She is lovingly remembered by her four children, Heidi (Corey) Bolluyt, Patrick (Rhonda) DeGroot, Melanie (Justin) Riley, and Darren DeGroot; grandchildren, Justin (Tessa) Bolluyt, Clayton Bolluyt, Danielle (Conner) Vortherms, AJ DeGroot, Zachary DeGroot, Samantha (Jordan) Phillips, Cassandra (Josh) LaMar, and Brendon Schettler; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Roy (Julie) Stevens, Craig (Tami) Stevens, Renett Geyer, Rosella (Dennis) Dockter; sisters-in-law, Bev Stevens and Evie (Dean) Gilman; brother-in-law, Fory (Cindy)VandenEinde.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Ann Stevens; husband, Daryl DeGroot; brother, Gordon Stevens; brother-in-law, Dale Geyer; sister-in-law, Harriett VandenEinde; and nephews Terry Vanden Einde and Kyle Stevens.

 A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Chandler Christian Reformed Church from 5:00-7:00PM. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10:30AM at the Chandler Christian Reformed Church in Chandler, MN with a private burial service at a later time.