Helen Catherine 'Cathy' DeVore

Helen Catherine “Cathy” DeVore, 69, of Sorento, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

She was born April 17, 1957, in Collinsville, Illinois, the daughter of Russell Buhr and Helen Buhr, nee Kusmierczak. On March 22, 1986, she married Thomas Guy DeVore at the Reno Baptist Church. He preceded her in death on April 22, 2004.

Cathy was one of the hardest working people you could meet. Throughout her career, she worked for many companies before retiring. In retirement, she embraced the things that brought her the most joy. She loved taking walks with her beagle, Ruger, spending time with friends and family, visiting her favorite local Mexican restaurant, and listening to countless hours of 80s rock music.

Cathy was also a gifted storyteller. She never worried about whether you had heard the story before or how recently she had told it. Those who loved her could recite many of her favorite stories right along with her, and they would not have wanted it any other way.

Above all, Cathy was always ready for an adventure. She did not need to know exactly where she was going. Her answer was always, “Let’s go!”

One of the greatest joys in her life was helping care for and raise three of her grandchildren, Allyson, Madison, and Thomas Christopher DeVore. She was at the ballgames and the graduations and the ordinary Tuesdays in between. They knew her simply as Grandma, who always showed up.

She is survived by her stepson, Thomas DeVore (Shannon Hasselbacher) of Sorento; her son, Michael Moore and his wife Suzie of Collinsville; her stepdaughter, Michelle DeVore of Missouri; and her grandchildren, Thomas Christopher DeVore, Madison DeVore, Allyson DeVore, Jeremy Raby, Danielle Raby, Matthew Raby, Benjamin Moore, and Rylan Moore.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Helen Buhr; her husband, Thomas Guy DeVore; and her stepson, Christopher Michael DeVore.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Assalley Funeral Home, 117 Walnut Street, Panama, Illinois 62077. Pastor Tyson Graber will officiate. Burial will be at Reno Bethel Cemetery in Reno.

Memorials: The family asks that memorials be given, in Cathy’s memory, to the Shoal Creek Volunteers, in lieu of plants, flowers and other gifts. Memorials may be given at the visitation and funeral or mailed to the Shoal Creek Volunteers, PO Box 36, Sorento, IL 62086.

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the arrangements.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.