YAF Statement On The Passing Of Helen DeVos

Young America’s Foundation is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Helen DeVos. “We remember Helen DeVos as a committed conservative who generously gave of her time and resources to ensure the next generation of Americans understood and appreciated conservative ideas,” stated Young America’s Foundation President Ron Robinson. “Her belief in President Reagan’s conviction that ‘It’s morning in America’ was clear in all she accomplished.” A dear friend to Young America’s Foundation, Helen DeVos (along with surviving husband Richard) was instrumental as Young America’s Foundation worked to save President Reagan’s beloved Rancho del Cielo. Their generosity allowed the Foundation to complete the Reagan Ranch Center at a critical moment and helped establish the endowment for Rancho del Cielo. A plaque marking this generosity sits on the front lawn at Rancho del Cielo and reads in part:

“[This] generous leadership helps provide future generations the opportunity to enter this modest home… Here visitors experience and are inspired by the timeless principles and lasting accomplishments of Ronald Reagan.”

Another commemoration of their bold leadership, the following quote from Richard and Helen DeVos stands at the entrance to YAF’s Reagan Ranch Center, dedicated on April 21, 2007 in Santa Barbara, California:

“Knowing Ronald Reagan was an honor, a privilege, and a joy. His love of life, country, family and friends was contagious. As believers in an upward look, we most admired his conviction that “It’s morning in America’ — that we are the country of tomorrow, always in the act of becoming. We discovered that a visit to the Reagan Ranch is an inspiring reflection of President Reagan’s American spirit and character of rugged individualism, idealism, and hard work. We are delighted to support this Schoolhouse of Reaganism, which like the ranch, preserves his values. To keep America strong, our young people can stand on the shoulders of this giant of a leader. They can build from his legacy that we must diligently defend as treasures our political and economic freedoms. Together, with optimism and faith in God, they can help our nation achieve any goal and continue to prosper as a beacon of hope for the world.”

Mrs. DeVos’ commitment to preserving, protecting, and defending freedom’s principles will be remembered through the lasting impact of the Reagan Ranch.