Debra "Debbie" Cole

Debra (Debbie) Cole, age 59, passed away July 22, 2026, in American Fork, Utah. Debbie was born February 21, 1967 in Othello, Washington to Stanley T Cole and Lola Gwen Roylance. She was born into a family with nine older siblings, Debbie being the tenth. Two years later her youngest brother was born. The family lived on a dairy farm in Warden, Washington where Debbie spent her growing up years. She attended school in the Warden School District and graduated high school in 1985. At age seven, Debbie was diagnosed with Type I diabetes and later developed rheumatoid arthritis. Her health was such a hardship for her and the last several years she was confined to a wheelchair. Debbie was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of eight by her father. She remained very faithful throughout her life, rarely missing Church services and family home evenings. She grew close to her Branch President, Dan Terry, who watched over her and gave her many blessings to bring her comfort. She loved the temple and looked forward to attending whenever possible. Debbie enjoyed her high school years, being voted "most inspirational" by the volleyball team, taking stats at wrestling matches, serving as Sophomore class Treasurer, a member of Pep Club and FHA, as well as honor student graduating third in her Senior class. Debbie attended Ricks College, graduating with an Associate's Degree in Arts and Science. She also attended Wenatchee Valley Community College, BYU, and Big Bend Community, where she earned an LN Nursing degree. She was able to use her degree while working at Othello Community Hospital until her health forced her to retire, which was very hard for her. She also worked in the family gas station, the Ranchero, during her summer and school breaks. Debbie was proud of her talent to draw and even with her disabled hands she was able to spend many hours sketching and sharing her pictures with others. She loved painting wood projects, crafts, and playing card and board games with anyone who would join her. Her testimony of the Gospel and love of family was the most important thing in her life. She looked forward to family holidays and get togethers. She was a wonderful Aunt to her 46 nieces and nephews. She was proud of her heritage, and loved genealogy learning about her faithful ancestors. She was very close to her mom and dad and missed them dearly after they passed. Due to her health, Debbie was unable to live alone and was taken in by her sister, Jackie, who tenderly took care of her for several years. She then moved to Utah to be near three of her sisters, where she resided at The Stonehenge Care Facility, in American Fork. Her kidneys failed her shortly after this move and she was put on dialysis up until her time of death. Debbie made many friends while at Stonehenge and had outstanding care by the Nursing and CNA staff, which was very much appreciated by her family. She looked forward to the daily activities held at the facility where she could make crafts, watch movies, and play games. Debbie was proceeded in death by her parents, Stanley and Lola Cole, brother Scott Cole, brother-in-law Ryan Black, niece Nicole Shippen, nephews William Cole and Garrett Cole. She is survived by her siblings, Lorin Blaine (Leslie) Cole, Sherry (Kent) Flack, Kathryn (Lyle) Shippen, LuAnne (Terry) McPartland, Kenneth (Mary) Cole, Jackie (Fred) Ruge, Roshelle Black, Curtis (Lucienne) Cole, Jason (Lori) Cole, and sister-in-law Deby Cole Kappel. A viewing will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1017 S. County, Warden, Washington on Monday, August 3, 2026, 10-11 am, after which a graveside service and interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 9934 Rd U SE, Warden, Washington. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.

Debra "Debbie" Cole

February 21, 1967 - July 22, 2026