Debra K. Debbie Rhea
September 18, 1954 ~ August 7, 2019
Debra K. “Debbie” Rhea, 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family in Wichita, KS on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Born September 18, 1954 in Kiowa, KS, Debbie was an only child and spent her early childhood in Hazelton, KS. She moved to Medicine Lodge, KS in 6th grade and graduated from Medicine Lodge High School. She married her high school sweetheart Terry Rhea on August 24, 1974, while both attending Southwestern College. She graduated from Southwestern and taught Elementary Physical Education in Wichita until the arrival of their children. Debbie was a former member of the Wichita Junior League and actively involved with her Sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, with whom she made lifelong friends. She worked at Trio’s and the Plaid Giraffe for 25 years, where she applied her design talent and love for beautiful home décor. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Ruth Bower of Medicine Lodge, KS. She is survived by her husband, Terry Rhea; sons, Jared (Lily) and Andrew (Kate) Rhea; grandchildren, Atigun, Marelia, Blake, and Caroline Rhea; and many loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of long-time friends. Debbie loved her family, friends, grand-dogs, going `home’ to the family farm, traveling, taking cruises, ski trips to Colorado, playing pitch, celebrating holidays and birthdays, enjoying great food, a simple walk around Bradley Fair and the lake, and just being with her family. According to Debbie, she `lived a good life’ and only wished to see her grandchildren grow up. She will truly be missed by those who knew her, but especially by those who loved and appreciated her. When you think of her, she wants everyone to remember: “Don’t you be sad!” Visitation at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary, Thursday, August 15 from 5 – 7 pm. Funeral Services at Eastminster Presbyterian Church Friday August 16 at 10 am. Graveside Service to follow at the Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge, KS at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to: Wichita Children’s Home; Eastminster Presbyterian Church; or ClearPath Hospice.
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So sorry to hear about Debbie’s passing. All my thoughts and prayers for all the family, especially Terry!. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
You fought a hard battle, now be at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I’ll always cherish your sweet smile and sweet personality.
So very sorry for your loss. I remember your mom from the Cloud soccer days. She was always very kind to me. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sending my deepest sympathies to the Rhea family at this time. Debbie was my favorite soccer mom while I played at Cloud County Community College. Even though Andrew was on the men’s team, Debbie still supported the girl’s team. I treasure the scrapbook that she put together even for us with all the photos from the season. She was our #1 fan no doubt and I will never forget her. The world lost a good, good soul but I know you will be reunited with her again one day. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
We’re happy to have known Debbie and send Terry and her family our heartfelt sympathy and condolences.
So sorry to hear about Debbies passing. Such a sweet and fun lady. We remember lots of good times at soccer games and tournaments. Prayers for you Terry, Jared and Andrew.
Terry, Jared, Andrew, And all of Debbie’s family, you have my deepest sympathy. Debbie was always so kind and gracious to me. I knew her my whole life. She was at my wedding, and my baby shower (which was an hour’s drive away). She was a great and true friend to my parents for decades, and cheered along with them when anything good happened with Ryan or me. I was so heartbroken when I learned of her illness, and again upon the news of her passing. She will be missed so greatly. I hope for peace for all of you and comfort in knowing that her pain is over.
Prayers and love for the Rhea family. We will miss Debbie terribly.
I am praying for the entire Rhea family. You are in my heart, thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all.
We are so sorry to hear the sad news. Debbie was such a gracious and fun person to hang out with. We will always cherish the memories of out times together at UNC. We are sending you hugs and prayers as you get through this difficult time.
Our sympathy and prayers for the Lord’s blessed Comfort and love to you all.
To the Rhea family, my deepest condolences. I must say I was shocked to hear of Debbie’s passing. I have thought of her many times as I pass through Wichita from Topeka while on my way to see family in Kiowa. Debbie and I were best friends from first grade through 5th in Hazelton. My heart was saddened immensely when she left Hazelton to live in Medicine Lodge. My heart is saddened today to learn of her passing. She was truly a blessing in my life.
Terry, Sincere sympathy for your family. Prayers for all in the coming days. Susan Zimmerman Goff
Terry- She was always so sweet to me. My thoughts go out to you and your family. Janie
We are forever changed for the better for having known Deb. We have been friends for over 40 years and she touched us in so many wonderful ways. She will be missed. We will carry her in our hearts always.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.