10/02/2025
A Tribute to a Beautiful Soul
This is a difficult post to write, as our hearts are heavy with sorrow. Today, we pay tribute to a truly beautiful soul—someone who made the world a better place simply by being in it.
Over the years of rescue work, we've been fortunate to meet some truly wonderful people—many of whom we’re now honored to call friends. One of those extraordinary people was Lee De Jabet.
It was Christmas Eve 2017, just before midnight, when we received an inquiry about a very special pup in our care. Her name was Soco at the time—many of you might remember her. She was fearful, in tremendous pain, suffering from severe ear issues, and had recently undergone surgery to remove a toe due to a mass (thankfully non-cancerous).
That message came from Lee. She and her husband, Dave, were hesitant about adopting, having lost their beloved bull terrier, Buster, 12 years earlier. But after a heartfelt conversation on Christmas morning, Lee said she’d speak with Dave and get back to us.
By 1:00 PM that very same day, we received the news—the application was submitted, and they were ready to move forward. Just a few hours later, at 3:00 PM on Christmas Day, Soco became Sasha, and she found the most incredible forever home any dog could ever dream of.
Sasha blossomed under Lee and Dave’s care. And in October 2019, they welcomed Sasha’s brother, Finn, into their family, giving another rescue pup the same gift of love.
Our dear friend and longtime photographer, Michelle Maupin Barrett Photography, has been reminiscing with us, and as we look back, we can't recall a single fundraiser or event that Lee and Dave missed. Their unwavering support, love, and friendship have meant more to us than words can express.
To Dave and the entire family—please know that you are in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers. We hope you find strength, comfort, and peace during this incredibly difficult time.
Lee, your light touched so many lives—both human and animal. You will never be forgotten.
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LeNora “Lee” De Jabet, 61, passed away on September 29, 2025.
Lee was born in Misawa, Japan, to Harold “Hal” and Marion Reynard on October 7, 1963, while they were stationed there during Hal’s service in the U.S. Air Force. Lee spent the majority of her career as a public servant for the State of South Dakota. For 25 years, she served in roles within the offices of the Secretary of State, the State Auditor, and the State Treasurer, where she had currently been serving as the Administrator for the state’s unclaimed property fund.
Lee enjoyed crafting, painting, and gardening, and she had been studying to become a master gardener. She could often be found solving a puzzle or enjoying Hallmark Christmas movies any time of the year because the couple always fell in love. Lee also took great joy in her two dogs, Sasha and Finley, whom she referred to as her “velcro dogs” as they were always by her side.
Lee met the love of her life, David De Jabet, in college in 1982, and they married on November 5th, 1983. For 41 years, they stood side-by-side through life’s adventures. They were each other’s best friends and embarked on numerous hobbies together, such as hiking, kayaking, traveling, and scuba diving. They were also known for being the ultimate do-it-yourselfers, renovating their historic home for decades and eventually building a new home together.
Lee’s greatest adventure with Dave was raising their son, Christopher. Lee was a devoted mother who utilized her gifts in crafting to indulge her son’s wild imagination as a boy. Her aptitude with computers fostered Christopher’s lifelong fascination with technology, and the two of them would scheme on upgrades to the family computer.
Lee gained a daughter when Christopher married Karen Van Camp. Lee and Karen shared many interests, frequently sharing recipes and gardening tips. Lee’s most cherished role was that of “Grammoo” when her grandson, Jonathan, was born. She made many long trips with Dave to Lincoln, Nebraska, to spend time with him as he grew up, and took countless phone calls from her son to give wisdom and guidance on parenting.
Lee is survived by her husband, David; her son, Christopher, and his wife, Karen; her grandson, Jonathan; her brother, Myron Reynard, and his wife, Barbara; her mother-in-law, Arlene; her brother-in-law, Douglas; her sister-in-law, Dawn Yturralde, and her husband, Raul; her nephews and nieces; her aunts, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marion Reynard; her father-in-law, Richard; her grandparents; and her uncles.
Her celebration of life will be held Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pierre, SD, with a dessert reception to follow.
Lee’s family and friends knew her by her fierce loyalty to friends and family, her determination, and her brilliance. She will be remembered for not only enduring, but overcoming, any challenge she faced in her too-short life.
