Renee Devine
December 13, 1957 - June 11, 2014

"Mom, It's taken me a while to get the courage to write on your tribute wall. I miss you greatly. You were my role model. My best friend. You were the most selfless, giving, funny person I have ever known. It was an honor to call you mom. I miss you more and more with each passing day. I wonder often what you are doing and if you are watching over us. I know you are with us every day. I see you and hear you every time Haydon laughs. Can you believe he has started snorting?? I don't know where he gets that from!!! I see you in Hunter when he is being so ridiculously headstrong and we battle for fifteen minutes to clean up his mess. I miss you and I love you. It was such a privilege to come home and spend time together at the house. I appreciated every minute. I feel so privileged to have been present the very moment God called you home to Heaven. Spread your wings mom, and enjoy your reunion with Grandpa Jim, uncle Terry, and Grandma Jo. Fly high and know you are loved and missed"

"Hello Tom, I'm very sorry for your loss. Even though I might have met Renee only one time, I'm definitely aware of how deeply you supported and loved each other,...through health and during sickness. I lost my sister to leukemia over 8 years ago, and the passage of time can help ease the pain of your loss, and the good memories always remain. God bless you and your family with His comfort and peace."

"I am so sorry to loose my classmate and co cheer leader. I hope you cherish your wonderful memories of her. "

"I'm catching up on old newspapers and am stunned and saddened to see Renee's obituary listed. About a dozen years ago Renee volunteered in my second grade class in Nevada. She certainly should have been a teacher and was so proud to have Rachel taking on that role! She was a great support as I was adopting "my" Timothy, another second grader in our school. Due to her spirit I always looked forward to getting my license renewed and as a foster parent I also volunteered to take some other kids over for their permits as I was pretty sure I'd get to see her! My sympathy is with all of you! I'm so sorry..."

"Tom and Family and the Hrubes family, So sorry to hear of Renee's passing. The Hadacek family have been friends with the Hrubes' forever. We have so many fond memories of Renee and so glad that we were able to see her at a sad time (her Mom's funeral). Renee was so much fun and always had a bright spirit. We will surely miss our dear friend. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. "

"I met Renee a few times over the course of growing up in Ames, but one time because of a speeding ticket I received at age 16. She sternly but nicely sat me down and did the math: By speeding, I was saving about 1-2 minutes over the course of my trip, which to a 16 year old was mind-blowing. I thought it was longer, but she was right. To this day, I still think of her when I think of speeding, so I don't! I will never forget what she said "There isn't a day that goes by that I wish I could see my brother again, don't let that happen to your family just so you can save a few minutes - your life is worth more." She always had a smile on her face and I still think of her often! So sorry for her family and the community's loss. She will be missed, as I'm sure she's made lifelong impressions on more than just me:)"

"Tom...We were so sad to hear of Renee's death. We will always remember her fantastic smile...she was always so energetic and full of fun. Lots of thoughts and prayers coming your way."

"Tom and Family: The Gillen family was so saddened to hear of Renee's passing. She was Jessica's babysitter for a few years before she went to work at the DOT. Renee was a wonderful person hands down. Even after your family moved away from the neighborhood, you could still pass by your new home and she would love to talk. Heaven has received a special person indeed."

"Tom, I have always loved You, Renee and your family so much. I remember you taking me to visit Renee at work when I was in Ames many years ago. I will always think of the good times we always shared at our conferences as well, she will be truly missed. I wish I were there with you today buddy."

"Tom and family, My heartfelt sympathies to each of you on the loss of your wife/mom/daugher/sister, etc. I met Renee several times; last time was when she rode with my husband, Jack Gordon, another DOTer, with advanced parkinson;s disease and severe tremors. She was super-kind to him knowing his difficulties due to his advanced PD ADISEASE. HE PASSED his driving with her; she noted he needed to use side mirrors more often. That's funny; he's complain about my driving and i wasn;t using side mirrors! lol It was during years after he gave up driving on his own without being asked to. He's now in nursing home but I think fondly on how Renee handled this senior with dignity and grace given to him. May God help you all in the days, months, and years ahead. Play videos/tapes of her...MAKE COPIES 1ST SO AYOU don't ruin originals. It's great hearing their voices/laughter and watching their gestures/mannerisms. rest in peace renee. "

"Tom & family,what a wonderful, fun and caring friend Renee was. We grew up together, being my second little sister, as she was a very good friend of my sister, Diane. Had lots of good times together, camping at the State Fair and riding bikes to Garner from the country. Thank you Suzette for letting us know of Renee's passing. She will always be in our prayers."

"19 years ago is when I first met Renee, working together with her at the Ames Drivers License Station.In that time we became very close friends.I will always remember her smile and her silly songs that she would sing when she came into work.On Friday's Renee made it special because she would bring in her treat bag and we would get to pick a treat. We loved treat bag Friday.One summer Renee and I decided to ride mules and we even went to a mule show, Renee took 2nd place. We also took two different family trips to Disney World in Florida.Tom and Renee made those trips very special us.Time goes by so fast,our kids are almost grown. Renee would say to me,I want to be like you when I grow up. I would reply that I want to be like you when I grow up. That was so true to me. Renee was a great wife, mother, sister friend and especially grandmother. Renee, I will miss you so much.I love you like a sister and I am so very,very glad to have had you in my life. Hugs!!!!! "

"Renee was one of my greatest friends when we were at GHHS. I loved her sense of humor and always enjoyed spending time with her. We'd hide out with other friends in the music practice rooms when we had open modules, and we were both active in many of the same extra-curricular activities. I always felt safe with her, and this was important to me as I had plenty of internal searching going on. I dearly wish we would have stayed in touch after HS graduation, and its only upon looking back now that I realized how important her friendship was to me back then. I know Renee grew so much more after leaving HS (as did I); but I loved her as a friend so much back in those early days that we shared. My sympathy for her family who misses her so much more. "

"I am shocked and saddened to hear of Renee's passing. She was always so vibrant and full of life. Back when we were neighbors and raising our families, Renee and I became very good friends. I will always cherish that friendship and never forget her infectious smile and laugh. Tom, Rachel. Christopher and Timothy, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find strength in your faith and comfort in your memories. "

"Renee was the best big sister a girl could ever dream of having. She was like a second mom to me. Renee lite up a room every time she walked in with her big brown eyes, beautiful smile, and witty outgoing personality. She was beautiful inside and out. I will forever cherish rereading Renee's text messages, listening to old voice messages from Renee just to hear her voice, and most of all view pictures and video of Renee riding Fanny the horse when we all went horseback riding on May 25th, 2014. I will forever cherish our time together. I love you to the moon and back."

"Tom, words can not express the devastation when I heard of Renee's passing. I recall her bright smile when she would stop by the office to see you or on occasions when I would have official business at the Driver License Station. She was a blessing to us all and will be missed by so many. Our payers are with you and your family. "

"Tom and Family, I am so sad to hear about the passing of Renee. I didn't have the pleasure of knowing her, but from your words she is a treasure. I will keep you and your family in my prayers."

"I will always cherish Mom's special bond with my girls! She and Kenzie loved to dress alike and then ask others who was Kenzie and who was Grandma. It is no surprise that she passed away the same day as Kenzie's birthday...indeed a powerful connection!! Her smile will never be forgotten and her generosity was extraordinary. I am extremely proud to be able to call her MOM and I am thankful my girls had such a wonderful, caring, and loving Grandmother!! See you in heaven MOM!! :):)"

"Tom & family, Renee & I are cousins, as our Grandmothers were sisters. She has always been such a loving, caring person. Her smile made you feel at home."

"Tom and Family, Janice and I were both saddened to hear about Renee's passing. I had only heard last week that she was so ill. When I think of Renee I remember two things. I recall the first time I met her when Renee, you and I rode horses in Montana at an AASHTO meeting. She laughed at both of us. I also remember the first time she showed me pictures of her first grandchild; how proud she was. Please know that Janice and I will keep you all in our prayers as you go through this sorrowful time. Surely Renee is up in Heaven looking down on you and reflecting on what a great family she created."

"Tom, I am so sad to hear about the passing of Renee. I have such special memories with her on our many AASHTO adventures. She was a beautiful spice to life. I could tell she loved you. Jeffrey and I have been and will continue lifting you and your family in our prayers."

"We were good friends in school cause Renee had ponies at her farm and all little girls love ponies! We had such fun riding the bus, riding ponies and spending the night at her house. Although we lost touch after high school, I will always remember those special times with Renee. My prayers to Tom and family."

"She was the most loving caring person I know. She was always there for me through many times of my life since I have known her. She always had a smile on her face and positive things to say. She was a fighter and would never give up on anything unless it was impossible. She always put everyone before herself. She was my smiley face friend. She always called me her sunshine I think that was her favorite saying. I know she always brightened my day and was a very good friend. We started working together at the Ames Station and worked together for 3 1/2 years before I transferred to Fort Dodge, but we stayed in touch and have been friends for going on 11 years now. She will be missed by all. I loved her very much."

"I work in the Distribution Center at the Iowa DOT in Ames. Renee always came in with a smile and brought us treats. She was the nicest, kindest, most caring person I have ever met. I will never forget her. My Thoughts and Prayers go out to her family. I will miss you Renee and I look forward to seeing you again in heaven. "

"I remember my first day I started at DL01 Renee was the first one to meet me in the parking lot and made me feel so welcome. I will never forget our 9 years together. Sharing all of our Grandma stories and pictures and how much we loved our kids. I loved when she would sing to me as we were walking in together from a drive. She would always make me laugh. She would let me talk about losing my Son and she would tell me how hard it was to lose her brother. Renee taught me how to make my first taggy blanket for my first Grandbaby and when I showed it to Renee she was so proud of me. I will miss you my friend! Love you! Mean It!"

"Renee was a wonderful women! I will always remember her smile, I don't think I ever saw her without a smile on her face! She could cheer you up even if you were having a bad day! I knew Renee since 2001, I met her at the DOT through my fiancé. She'd bring in baked good all the time. She was very good to my son as well, she helped him every time he had a problem with his license. No matter how busy she was she always made time for the people she knew. I will miss her dearly. She was taken to early from all of us that cared for her. My condolences to her family, she will be missed."

"She touched so many people's lives, what a beautiful person... I will always remember this a photo and text she shared with me. " What's sup grandma... We shared so many laughs at work, over the silliest things... Nea Nea was our Rock at DLO1, she will be greatly missed.. Dave Lee will never forget her delicious potato salad, oh so good. "

"Tom & Family, Renee was a beautiful lady. She seemed to enjoy her time on the trips to AASHTO. I remember the time we used the conference room at her work for a meeting we had in AMES. I think it was when we were working on the first audit guide."