Deborah "Debbie" Klein

Deborah “Debbie” Klein, age 45, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026. She was born on August 1, 1980, to Alan Klein and Susan Murphy.

Debbie entered the world as a fighter. Born with cerebral palsy, she spent the first 38 days of her life in the ICU at St. Joseph Hospital, where she was ventilated and endured multiple seizures before finally coming home. From the very beginning, Debbie showed a strength and resilience that would define her life.

Though non-verbal, Debbie was bright, alert, and deeply aware of the world around her. By the age of three, she became mobile and vocal, astonishing doctors and therapists alike. She learned to army crawl—something many had said might never be possible—and continued to exceed expectations through determination, patience, and unwavering support from her family.

Debbie began school at just three years old at Rainbows United and later attended Levy Special Education Center. She also participated in an integration program with Benton Elementary, where she was one of the early pioneers who helped pave the way for inclusive education. Debbie graduated from Levy Special Education Center, leaving a lasting impact on classmates and teachers alike. She was warmly accepted by her peers and touched lives far beyond what words could express.

She was active in the Special Olympics, embracing every opportunity placed before her. With the steady encouragement of her parents and consistent physical therapy at home, Debbie continued to grow, advance, and experience life fully. There was very little she could not do when given the chance.

Debbie delighted in the simple joys of life. She loved watching baseball, shopping, spending time in nature feeding ducks and birdwatching, and traveling—whether it meant a short drive or a long trip all the way to Ohio. She especially loved tacos and pizza and cherished time spent watching and supporting her many nieces and nephews. Debbie also found a deep sense of peace and belonging in church, where she attended regularly and felt truly at home.

Debbie’s life was one of perseverance, quiet joy, and profound impact. She taught those around her the meaning of strength, patience, and unconditional love. Her presence made the world kinder, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her grandfathers, Victor Klein and Gerald Maxwell; her grandmother, Charlotte Webb; and her brothers, Aaron and Grant Klein.

Debbie is survived by her parents, Alan (Tammi) Klein and Susan (Steve) Murphy; her grandmother, Rachel Klein; her sisters, Heather (Joe) Brazzle, Summer (David) Schoenhals, Abigail (Matt Buettgenbach) Klein, and Kyle (Drew) Parish; her brother, Zachary (Taylor) Klein; her stepsisters, Tracy (Gary) Abbott and Jennifer (Carlos) Ramos; and her stepbrothers, Travis Kincanon and Christopher (Elizabeth) Murphy, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Funeral Service will be 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Believers Southern Baptist Church. Graveside Service will be 1:30 pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Kansas Veteran’s Cemetery, Winfield, Kansas.

Memorials have been established with: Catholic Charities, 437 North Topeka Street, Wichita, Kansas 67202 and Rainbows United, Inc., 3223 North Oliver, Wichita, Kansas 67220.

Servers in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.