Deborah Jo Lavaley

Deborah Jo Lavaley, 72, of Ralston, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at her home on September 25, 2026. She was born on July 7, 1954, in Sutherland, Nebraska, to Donald and Peggy Rotert.

Debbie married her best friend, Randy Lavaley, on July 30, 1977. Together they welcomed three children, her greatest joys. She cherished the time she spent with her husband, children, and grandchildren, and she made her family a priority throughout her life. She created a home where family and friends always felt welcome, and her love was often expressed through the simple things she did for those around her.

Deb was known for always having a clean house and something homemade baking in the kitchen. She carried on the tradition passed down from her grandmother and mother, filling her home with the warmth, comfort, and treats that became a special part of family life. For those who knew her, her home was a place where there was always room for one more and something good to eat.

Debbie also had a deep commitment to the young people in her community. During her years in Sutherland, she spent countless hours at the heart of the Sutherland Youth Program, helping provide opportunities and experiences for young people in the community. Her dedication to the program reflected the genuine care she had for children and families and her belief in the importance of giving young people opportunities to grow, learn, and be part of their community.

Deb will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Randy Lavaley; her children, Brandon (Marni) Lavaley, BreAnn Denison, and Jason (Laura) Lavaley; and her grandchildren, Carson, Barrett, and Sawyer Lavaley, Shawn Meister, Lauren and Emma Denison, and Hayden and Bransen Lavaley. She is also survived by her mother, Peg Rotert; her brothers, Jim (Teresa) Rotert and David (Susan) Rotert, her sister-in-laws Lois Houser, Barb (Larry) Hoatson, and Sherry Wever; and many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and friends who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Rotert; parents-in-law Dale and Lilly Laaley, brother-in-law Marty Houser; and her grandparents 

Deb’s greatest legacy will be the family she loved so deeply, the home she made so welcoming, and the young people whose lives she touched through her service to her community. She will be deeply missed and forever loved by those who had the privilege of calling her wife, Mom, Grandma, daughter, sister, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Deb’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 11:00am at the United Methodist Church in Sutherland, NE. (631 Pine St., Sutherland, NE. 69165.