Lori Lyn Durell

Lori Lyn Durell, 58, of Marion, S.D., entered Avera Hospice House in Sioux Falls, S.D., in November of 2015. She was adamant that she would be escorted on the arm of Jesus Christ through the gates of Heaven when her death became certain. That became a reality on Thursday, March 24, 2016. Our hearts will forever be broken with the loss of our lovely Lori Lyn Durell.

In accordance with her wishes, no funeral is planned. In later summer, a celebration of her life will take place at the family farm at Whatley.

She was born to William and Darlene (Stenbakken) Durell on Sept. 2, 1957. She attended elementary, jr. high and high school in Glasgow, graduating with the 1975 class. She earned a bachelor's degree in Child Development from MSU in Bozeman and later earned a bachelor's degree in Family Consumer Science from South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. She taught school in both Wyoming and California.

She married Mahmoud Amer from Cairo, Egypt, and from this union two children were born. They were later divorced, however they remained lifelong friends and he and his present wife, Nadia, were instrumental in providing for her housing and care after she was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ben and Myrtle Stenbakken and her paternal grandparents, Lon and Clara Durell, all of Nashua.

Survivors include two daughters, Sarah and Nadia; her ex-husband, Mahmoud; her parents; one sister, Michelene Fura and her husband, Dan, of Great Falls; three brothers, Lonnie and his wife, Sandy, of Eustis, Fla., Dan and his wife, Lenore, of Glasgow, and Gary and his wife, Paula, of Billings; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family really appreciated all the prayer warriors for their steadfast efforts and all those who sent cards, flowers or telephoned, especially her wonderful classmates. You absolutely amazed her with your concerns and generosity.

Online condolences at http://www.heartlandfunerals.com