A Memorial Service for Deb Sawyer, age 61, of O'Neill will be at 10:30 am Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the O'Neill Methodist Church in O'Neill. Rev. Robert Wynn will officiate. Memorial Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 pm Prayer Service. Deb passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at CHI Health-St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln. Memorials may be directed to her family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Debra Ann Raff was born on May 8, 1962 in Clarkston, Washington to Henry and Kathleen (VanHook) Raff. She moved with her family to Wiggins, Colorado and graduated from Wiggins High School in 1980. That same year, she married Mark Fortkamp. To this union two children were born; Brandon and Stephanie. The two later divorced in 1986 and Deb and the children moved to O'Neill, Nebraska. In 1989, Deb married Brad Kallhoff and had two more children, Jacob and Austin. Deb and Brad later divorced.

In 1999, Deb met Brent Sawyer and they were married on August 5, 2000 in the Inman Methodist Church. Their union brought seven children together. They quickly needed a new home and a van. A wonderful and adventurous life ensued as a family of 9. Deb and Brent loved celebrating holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas. The Halloween Haunted Trail through the Sawyer house was enjoyed by many. Christmases were spent as two very special guests at the annual Christmas Parade and many other activities around O'Neill.

Deb's giving heart and love for her children led her to work for HeadStart for six years, then work for O'Neill Public Schools for over 8 years running the Developing Eagles program. Deb liked to garden, paint, bake, go antiquing, and do crafts. One of her many passions was to watch the cooking shows and recreate special meals and treats for her family and friends. She also loved Sheltie Dogs and her Springer doodle dog named Sugar. She was the Secretary of the American Legion Riders and was a Boy Scout Leader for many years.

Deb is survived by her husband of 23 years, Brent Sawyer of O'Neill; her children, Brandon (Sarah) of Fremont, Stephanie Rang of Avondale, Arizona, Jake Kallhoff of Ocala, Florida, Austin Kallhoff of Norfolk; Brent's children, Dakota (Whitney) Sawyer of Yankton, Ty (Taylar) Sawyer of Rapid City, Tanner Sawyer of Orchard; 14 grandchildren, Blake Kallhoff, Sydny Kallhoff, Eviey Kallhoff, Teaguen Kallhoff, Griffin Kallhoff, Brayleigh Kallhoff, Barrett Kallhoff, Bridger Kallhoff, Kai Kallhoff, Jaden Kallhoff, Aubrey Cereceres, Beckett Sawyer, Everley Sawyer; her sister, Ronda (Tom) Watson of Rapid City; Stepbrother, Shawn (Nicole) Raff of Eatonton, Georgia; many other relatives and friends.

Deb was preceded in death by her mother; and a granddaughter, Brielle Cereceres.