Dorothy M. DeVary, 86, of Rockwell, IA, passed away on February 15, 2025 at her beloved home acreage, fulfilling her final wish. She was born on August 3, 1938, in Rockwell to LeRoy “Scoop” and Mary (Donnelly) Behr. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Rockwell in 1956.
On February 20, 1960, Dort married James DeVary at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockwell. The couple made their home in Mason City for ten years before returning to Rockwell in 1973, where they raised their four children: Mike, Mindy, Dan, and Steve.
Over the years, Dort worked at United Home Bank, Warehouse Market, Unisys and Alexander Batteries. She had a gift of gab and has never met a stranger—only friends she hasn’t gotten to know yet. She had a remarkable ability to find connections with everyone she met. Dort had a deep love for her acreage and the surroundings, and she cherished the time spent helping her brothers in the field. She loved antiquing and searching for the next piece to add to her collection at The Grainery, a labor of love shop that she operated after Jim restored an old grainery for her treasures. Her devotion to family and faith was unwavering, and she was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockwell, where she was active in the Ladies Guild.
Dorothy is survived by her children: Mike (Staci Hodge) DeVary, Mindy Welling, Danny (Jayme) DeVary, and Steve (Sarah) DeVary; her grandchildren: Makenzie (Will) Welling, Mika (Calvin) Shelangoski, Benton (Larissa) Welling, Colin DeVary, Caysie DeVary, Liam DeVary, Cian DeVary and Jimmy DeVary; and great-grandchildren: Lawson, Waylon, Iza, Lewis, Johnna, Maria, Brixton, Briley, and Baizley. She is also survived by her siblings: Rilla Arnold, Lee (Deb) Behr, Ronnie Behr, Paul (Suzanne) Behr, and Dennis (Jane) Behr; sisters-in-law: Sue Behr, Barb DeVary, Delores Berneman, and Dorothy DeVary; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; brother, Chuck Behr; brothers-in-law, Eldon DeVary, Duane DeVary, Virgil DeVary, Pete Arnold, and Larry Berneman; sisters-in-law, Bev Behr and Jo Behr; son-in-law, John Welling; and nephew, Cory Behr.
Dort’s legacy of love, faith, and friendship will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 305 Elm St. E., Rockwell with Rev. Josh Link, Celebrant. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Rockwell.
Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, February 24 where the Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 pm. Dort’s family will greet relatives and friends from 4:30 pm until 7 pm.
Dort’s family would like to extend their appreciation for the staff of Mercy hospice for the love and care given to Dort. Should friends desire, please consider donations in her honor to Mercy Hospice.
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