Laura Lynn Devries

LAURA LYNN (IWAN) DEVRIES, 47, of Ogallala, passed away on February 10, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska, as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Laura was born on July 9, 1975, in Ogallala, Nebraska, to Tim and Sandy (Michal) Iwan. She graduated from Ogallala High School in 1993 and went on to attend Chadron State College, where she earned a degree in Business and Library Science and later earned her Master's degree in Educational Technology from the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

On June 10, 1995, Laura married high school sweetheart David "Andy" DeVries, and they were later blessed with four children: Raelyn, Ryanna, Michael, and Reegan. Laura was a devoted mother who cherished spending time with her family. For years she persisted in her role as a part-time farmer, whether it was taking lunch to the field, driving tractor, or laying out pipe. For nearly 28 years, she loved Andy and her kids, caring for them so well and speaking wisdom into their lives daily.

Laura loved the Lord deeply and revealed this love to everyone she encountered. She lived her life being very ministry-oriented, always looking for ways to reveal Jesus to those she was surrounded by. She was a member of GracePoint Church where she led child and youth ministries for many years and later on served as the church's treasurer.

Laura taught at South Platte Schools as a librarian, speech and personal finance teacher, and FBLA and junior class sponsor. She cared deeply for her students and was always willing to do what she could to help them be successful. In addition to being a support to her students at school, she also provided support to her children in their endeavors whether it was fine arts, athletic, academic, 4-H, or ministry related. If there was an event one of the kids was involved in, you could almost guarantee she had a button or a t-shirt that she would wear proudly.

Laura had a quiet yet witty quality about her. She was a natural leader and advocate. Her passion for people and ways of clever thinking made her an exceptional mentor and friend. Laura was always eager to lend a hand and share her knowledge. She served her community by being a member of the Keith Co. 4-H Council, Farm Bureau, and supporting the Ogallala Band and Athletic Boosters. Her leadership, kindness, and unwavering support for those she loved will be deeply missed.

Laura was preceded in death by her father, Tim Iwan, her paternal grandparents, Edward and Darlien Iwan, her maternal grandparents, Mike and Irene Michal, and her cousins, Elizabeth Iwan and Chuck Bensley.

Laura is survived by her husband, Andy DeVries of Ogallala; her children, Raelyn and Ryanna, of Lincoln, and Michael and Reegan DeVries of Ogallala; her mother, Sandy Iwan of Ogallala; her sisters, Denise (Chris) Tesch of Omaha and Diane (Andy) Messner of Omaha; and many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Laura's memory, with the intent to create a scholarship in her name. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, at 10:30 am, at the South Platte High School gymnasium in Big Springs, with Pastor Curtis Tschetter officiating. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.