Deborah (Debbi) L. Elmore
August 11, 1952 ~ September 15, 2022
Debbi L. Elmore, 70, Journalist, died Thursday, September 15, 2022. Memorial Service will be at 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Funeral Service will be Live Streamed here, at www.dlwichita.com, by clicking "Tribute Wall," then the "Watch Now" button inside of the gold "Live Webcast" box. Preceded in death by her parents, Kennith C. and Dorothy E. McGinn. Survived by her husband, Jim Elmore; daughter, Andi (William Dickey) Elmore; granddaughter, MacKenzie Dickey; sisters, Carleen (George) Currier, Candi (Jerry) Young; nieces, Kelsi (Kevin) Currier, Lesley (Levi) McKown; nephews, Chad (Shannon) Currier, Ryan (Gina) Currier, Jeremy (Netta) Young, and Justin Young.Deborah (Debbi) L. Elmore was born to Dorothy and Dutch McGinn, the oldest of three daughters. Her father often told friends his insurance was cheaper because “his daughters were girls,” among other helpful anecdotes.She learned from Dutch’s impeccable work ethic and doing for others regardless of what needed to be done for oneself. Debbi learned the ability to connect with people from her mom. She grew up with two incredible younger sisters, Carleen and Candi. The three of them are an exemplary example of what love is and should be among sisters.She discovered her ability to tell other’s stories as she went on to earn a degree in public relations and journalism from Wichita State University and spent her entire adult career meeting and telling the stories of remarkable people. Debbi’s truest gift was to tell their stories. She earned numerous awards and national recognition. Family trips were often taken around where the awards ceremonies were taking place.Debbi worked in healthcare and many of her co-workers often became lifelong friends, some coining the nicknames “Mighty Mouse” or “Cheeseburger Queen” due to her ability to work tirelessly to get things done and never turn down a great burger with cheese from a local greasy spoon.Debbi met Jim, her husband of 44 years, at a small newspaper in Independence, Kansas. She the reporter and Jim the photographer for her articles. They were quite the dynamic duo. They married on April 8, 1978.Jim and Debbi had one daughter, Andi, and Debbi quickly instilled the significance of a strong career ethic, volunteerism, and community service. Valuing others, respecting all, no matter our differences, and learning to speak for those who cannot, were important lessons she wanted Andi to understand. Debbi became a grandmother in 2010 to MacKenzie and those lessons are being passed on to her today.Debbi adored her parents, sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, her husband, her daughter, her granddaughter, and friends. Mom never found fault in others and always looked for the positive.May the road rise up to meet her, may she travel with the wind at her back, may the sunshine warm on her face, the rain fall soft on her fields, and, until we meet again, may God hold her in the palm of His hand.Memorials have been established with Alzheimer’s Association, Central & Western Kansas, 1820 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214 and American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116. Share tributes at: www.dlwichita.com
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I grew up with Debbi. From Kindergarten all the way through high school, we were friends. I’ll never forget her, especially her contagious laughter. She will always be more than just my friend. She is like family to me and I am sad to see her depart this life before me. God bless you Debbi, and your family. Love you, my sweet friend.
Not specifically mentioned was Debbi’s “heart” for senior citizens, especially those who resided in senior living communities. I was honored to provide short films for Via Christi residential facilities in and around Wichita. Rest in peace Debbi.
I loved little Debbie when she came to Cornerstone Pittsburg Kansas when we started working there I was first cook hired Debbie was there the day it opened she took a picture of my Mother the first resident to be admitted. So sorry for your loss of the kind great lady. Prayers for the family 🙏love for the family 💗
I’m so sorry to hear of this. I thoroughly enjoyed the little time I spent with Debbi when I worked at Via Christi Georgetown. She had a wonderful smile and infectious laugh. My condolences to Jim, with whom I worked for a few years as well. So sorry for your loss.
My condolences to Debbi’s family. I worked with her at both Via Christi Georgetown & Senior Services of Wichita. I learned so many things from her about marketing and representing senior citizens. The senior care community lost a committed advocate. I am not able to attend the funeral as it is the same day and time as a Celebration of Life I’m hosting for another longtime friend. Rest in peace sweet Debbi. Write your eternal story and design the most beautiful work of art with angels by your side!
Debbi was a beloved friend and co-worker, I was blessed to meet her at Senior Services, where she put her passion for both seniors and young moms together. She was ardent in her writing, mentoring, and most importantly her love of her family. She was a genuine person, who gave her heart to whatever her hands touched. Debbi, you will be missed and to Debbi’s family and friends, you are in my heart and prayers! Psalm 84
I knew Debbi when I worked at Wichita Presbyterian Manor. She was such a nice and caring person. She had a heart of gold and LOVED what she did. She will be missed by many.
An amazing writer & story teller!!!
I have known Debbie since the St Francis/Via Christi Medical Center days.
We reconnected at Senior Services, Inc.
She helped shaped so many organizations in many ways: In their marketing outreach, in telling their staff/community stories, & in keeping the organization’s historical records.
She was a true treasure whom will be dearly missed! And missed as a dear friend!
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passiing of Debbi. I worked with her for several years and Senior Services. She was very nice to me, and she promoted my book in an article in The Active Age. I will be forever grateful for her support and friendship.
I was very honored to know and be mentored by Debbi. She was an amazing friend, listener and talented writer. Her gift of writing touched so many elders’ lives. She gave their life stories the recognition they deserved. Debbi taught me so much and was such an encouragement to me and countless others!