Adella Jane “Della” Sawyer, 91, of rural Central City, was taken home to be with Jesus on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Merrick Medical Center.

Born in Mountain Lake, Minnesota to Henry and Maria Dick, Della was raised in a loving home that honored the Lord. Growing up on the family farm, she learned to work hard, take responsibility, and give her best effort in everything she did. At the age of eight, Della placed her faith in Jesus Christ at her church’s Summer Bible School and began a lifelong journey of growing in a personal relationship with her Savior.

After graduating from Mountain Lake High School, Della worked as a dental assistant. Eager to study the Bible, she persuaded her parents to let her attend Grace Bible Institute in Omaha. She met H. Kay Sawyer while they were both part of a school traveling music ensemble, and they fell in love. Kay and Della married on July 27, 1957, after she graduated with a Bible degree.

They celebrated sixty- seven years together before Kay went home to be with Jesus in 2024.

After serving at a Christian school in Hutchinson, Kansas, Kay and Della were recruited to help establish Nebraska Christian School in Central City. They initially served as dorm parents for the girls’ dormitory, where Della impacted hundreds of lives for Jesus. Kay and Della also helped to start the Community Bible Church in Central City and served there faithfully for over six decades. When Kay later changed careers to financial planning, Della supported him, and together they moved forward under God’s hand.

Kay and Della shared a deep love for Jesus, the Word of God, worship through music, and serving others. They raised five children and shepherded them to embrace these same values. Della was a loving mother and the glue that held the family together. She thrived in that role and was grateful to see her children accept Jesus as their Savior and follow Him. Della delighted in welcoming her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a faithful prayer warrior on their behalf.

Della is survived by her children, Mary (Mike) Adams, Duane (Kate) Sawyer, Jane (Todd) Anania, Sheryl (Greg) VanderVorst, and Becky (Jim) Reynolds; fifteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; in-laws Karen Sawyer, and Gary and Carol Squier; and many precious nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; infant son, James Allen Sawyer; her parents; and her siblings, Adeline Klassen, Tillie Friesen, Arthur Dick, and Gladys Stoesz.

Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island. Memorials may be directed to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

The Republican-Nonpareil | October 15, 2026