Debra Celine Stewart, age 71, of North Platte, unexpectedly passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at home.

Deb was born March 26, 1953, in North Platte to Marvin D. and Vernadean (Sims) Clark.

She spent her childhood in North Platte, graduating from North Platte High School in 1971. After graduating, Deb met the love of her life John Dennis Stewart in Sutherland and they were happily wed on July 16, 1972.

The couple lived in North Platte for 10 more months before moving to Sutherland, where they stayed until 1998. In Sutherland they had and raised their cherished children Dustin, Jake, and Lianne. Deb was deeply involved in her community and supported numerous youth activities. 

She along with her husband and several friends founded the Sutherland Youth Program, helping many children follow their passions. In addition, Deb coached t-ball, ran score boards and concessions. She was also an active member of the Sutherland Booster Club. No matter the event, her kids could expect to hear her cowbell clanging from the stands as she cheered them on. Deb worked for The North Platte Vision Center for many years until her retirement in 2010.

Though always busy, Deb never neglected her hobbies. As an avid cross-stitcher, she leaves her family with many beautiful pieces to remind them she’s watching over them. She also leaves behind her collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia, with many plates and bowls still seeing use to this day. She was a lover of the arts, with a soft-spot for Disney and classic movies, music, and musicals. She was a die-hard Husker fan, with a passion for volleyball in particular. She was always fashionable, with a standing appointment for her hair and nails, which she kept religiously. But most of all, she was dedicated to her family. She attended as many of her grandchildren’s activities as possible and was always showing her love through her cooking when family came over. Her cooking was legendary, and she was never afraid to try out new dishes, much to her husband’s delight or chagrin depending on the result. Her cooking schedule kept the house running smoothly and the smells and sounds of cooking always brought her family together at the dining room table.

Those left to cherish Deb’s memory are her husband John; mother Vernadean; sons John Dustin (Melanie) Stewart of Sutherland, and Jacob Daniel (Erin) Stewart of Omaha; daughter Lianne Celine (Brandon) Reed of Fort Calhoun; sister Teri (Mike) Einspahr; brother Mark (Muriel) Clark; grandchildren Katelynn Rose (Rob) Jochum, Allison Noel (Jonathan) Hunt, Emma Danielle Stewart, Faith Johanna Stewart, Madison Celine Reed, Bella Gene Reed and James Dudley Stewart; great-grandchildren Patrick Hunt, Bennett Jochum, Oaklynn Eckel, and Connor Jochum; and several in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father Marvin D. Clark.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Pastor Daniel Ramsey officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Sutherland. Visitation and book signing was held Friday, March 7, 2025 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for future designation.

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