Debra Ann "Debbie" King

Debra Ann King “Debbie”, 70, of Marana, AZ passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, March 13^th.

Born on December 12, 1953 to Leo W. King and Helen C. (Dudley) King at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, Debbie was the oldest of 5 siblings. Following her family’s move to California as a young child, she grew up and attended school in Whittier, graduating from California High School in 1972. Shortly after graduation, Debbie enrolled in coursework at Rio Hondo Community College and began working at Biola University. Debbie went on to work for Fotomat where she developed a love for taking pictures and developing them. She served as the store manager in Irvine for more than 10 years. As photo shops became obsolete, Debbie finished out her career working for Home Depot in Yorba Linda where she retired in 2018 and moved to Marana, Arizona shortly after.

Debbie’s greatest love in life was her family and friends. She gave freely of herself and took great pride in being Nancy’s best friend, a bonus mother to Nancy’s children, a caring daughter and sister, a special aunt to many nieces and nephews, and in her later years a loving Nana. Her greatest joy was being around the children in her life, always finding special projects and fun adventures to take them on (Disneyland was a favorite). She was a cheerleader in all aspects of life for those around her. Debbie also enjoyed decorating for the holidays, reading, watching Hallmark movies, walking, and making others happy by doing special, little things. Becoming a Christian in her early 20’s, Debbie led her life according to her Christian values with an acceptance of others, a forgiving heart, and an unwavering strength of spirit. It was this strength of spirit that allowed her to battle her cancer with grace and a quiet, yet fierce strength.

Debbie is survived by her family: Mom, Helen C King of Central City, NE; Best Friend, Nancy Cheyne of Marana, AZ; Sister, Jean Polzkill of Central City, NE; Brothers, Leo King of Pearl City, HI. and James (Ina) King of Melbourne, FL; and Samantha Cheyne, Amber (Travis) Jones and Nana to Genevieve and Weston Jones. Additional family – Jason (Christina) Whitt; Randy Whitt; Alexis (Adam) Saltzman; Leah (Matthew) Paup; Suzanne (Kevin) Schinck; Helen King; Dustin (Samantha) Cheyne; Allison Cheyne-Rodriguez; many great nieces and nephews and neighbors who became like family to her. And, of course, her beloved dog, Stitch.

She is preceded in death by her Dad, Leo W. King; brother, Jay A. King, and brother-in-law, Robert Polzkill.

Debbie chose to be cremated with no formal funeral service. Burial of ashes will be at Marana Cemetery.