Emily Ann DeBrine

Emily Ann DeBrine, 15 years young, of Nevada, died Nov. 26, 2008. She was involved in an automobile collision on 54 Highway, near Deerfield, Mo. Emily was the passenger in a truck driven by Corey Martin, 17 years young, of the Nevada/Deerfield area. The two were traveling westbound on 54 Highway, when a head-on collision shattered the lives of two of Nevada's best and brightest teenagers.

Emily was born on May 28, 1993, to Robert DeBrine and Melissa LaNear. She had always been impatient, and was delivered within the hour of arrival at Olathe Regional Medical Center! She was born early, and struggled during the first few days of life. She has since overcome every adversity presented upon her, with strength and grace. She had her own set of principles, and adamantly supported them. She lived life on her terms, and always tried to influence others towards her way of thinking, and fairness. She aspired to not judge other people. She gave trust; then made you earn it! She tried to get along with everyone; she prided herself on that trait. She had many friends and admirers.

She was a fantastic sister! Austin DeBrine, 16; Noah LaNear, 8; Andrew LaNear, 4; and Ellaina LaNear, 3, will struggle to overcome the loss of their sibling, comrad, and friend. The family resides in Nevada with parents Daniel and Melissa LaNear. Emily's father, Robert DeBrine, lives in Blue Springs, Mo., with his fiancé Mary, and daughter Nicole Stark.

Emily's proud grandparents are Brenda Hirschman, Nevada, Joe and Donna Burgess, Independence, Mo., Marilyn DeBrine, Olathe, Kan., and Tom and Martha Beisner, Carl Junction, Mo.; great-grandparents, Paul and Ann Hirschman, Nevada, Jim and Clarice Tripp, Kirksville, Texas, and Martha McBride, Joplin, Mo. She had endearing relationships with her uncle Adam Burgess, Cousin Addie, "Mean old Uncle Dennis", Jackson, her grandparents, her siblings, her family, Katelyn, Melea, Victoria, Megan, Brooke, and too many more to list. She has multiple uncles and aunts, cousins, and too many extensions to mention. She was truly blessed and loved.

Emily moved to Nevada in 2001. She grew to love this town. She would not entertain the notion of moving to another city. She was happy here. She participated in YMCA volleyball, girls softball, student council, and Nevada Lady Tiger Golf. She strived to be the best that she could be. She had hoped to explore Cottey College for continued education. She loved everything that Nevada provided.

Emily loved life. She enjoyed making lasting friendships. She had a vibrancy that attracted others to her. She was a great listener. A true friend. She found strength in her dreams. She grew to enjoy playing golf. She obtained a varsity letter as a freshman, in 2007. She played through adversity during her sophomore season this fall, yet she was able to qualify for the All-District Golf Team. She strived to maintain a 4.0 grade point average, and obtained an academic letter for her achievements. Her original writings and poetry are something to admire. She was wise beyond her years, yet she was never able to realize her full potential.

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Robert F. DeBrine Jr.; she loved and missed him so much. She entered death with her true friend and companion Corey Martin. She had overcome months of adversity, while Corey stood tall beside her. He made her smile. He never judged her. He was a good man. She stands tall between two great men. She has become our Guardian Angel. May we all find strength in that ideal.

A visitation ceremony for Emily Ann DeBrine and Corey Leon Martin will be held in the Nevada High School Gymnasium at 2 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 30. A celebration of the Life of Emily Ann DeBrine is scheduled at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Please think of happy memories of Emily to share with her family. Burial will follow at Worsley Cemetery, in Bronaugh, Mo.

The family requests that donations be made toward the establishment of the Emily Ann DeBrine Scholarship Fund, in lieu of flowers and gifts. Donations can be made in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.