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Debra Jill Benshoof Sandahl, 57, of Blair, died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, in Omaha.

A memorial service with the family will be in September when her family will take her ashes to the Caribbean.

Debra "Debbie" Jill Benshoof was born Aug. 4, 1956, to Merlin and Ellen Benshoof in Sioux Falls, S.D. She attended schools in Sioux Falls, Madison and Springfield, S.D., and graduated from Springfield.

She recently worked as a cook at Good Shepherd Lutheran Community in Blair.

She enjoyed traveling and taking cruises with her family. She loved animals and took care of stray animals.

She is survived by two children, Nick and Lindsey Sandahl of Omaha; five sisters and brothers, Cheri VanCleave of Blair, Steve (Loida) Benshoof of Loveland, Colo., Phil (Diane) Benshoof of Plattsmouth, Jodi Roth of Omaha and David Wynia of Omaha; nieces and nephews, Marlon Cates, Melanie Ellis, Corey and Steven Benshoof, Brian, Matt and Ben Benshoof; and lifelong friend Patty Dupic McCain of Sioux Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother.

Good Shepherd Funeral Home in Omaha is in charge of arrangements.