Deborah K. Cherry, 68, Topeka, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at a local hospital.
Debbie was born on June 29th, 1950 in Ellsworth, KS and graduated from Nickerson High School.
Debbie married Stephen Cherry on May 20, 1972 in Topeka. He survives. Debbie will be forever remembered by her husband of 47 years; daughters, Tia (Aaron) Alexander of Topeka; Deena (Jim) Fuller of Wakarusa; and Stephanie (Michael) Cherry-Wright of Topeka; 8 grandchildren: Ashlan, Sydney and Brynley Alexander; Kaylie Fuller; Tyler Cherry; Trevor, Tevin and Breanna Elliott ; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Connie Diehl and Linda Needham. She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Clara Horner; nephew, Curtis Diehl; great-nephew, Joshua Diehl; and grandson, Zachary Alexander.
She explored several career paths throughout her life which included the Topeka Capital Journal, Holiday Inn and the truck company she and her husband owned, Wagon Wheels. She was most recently employed by the Topeka Police Department as a dispatcher and later as a records clerk, retiring in 2004.
Debbie enjoyed crocheting and made numerous blankets and scarves for her family. In her younger years she did barrel racing. She continued her love of horses and other farm animals into her adult life. At one point she even had ducks and chickens that she raised as her pets.
Debbie also had an interest in journalism. She wrote a children's book called "The Magic Circle" back in the 1980's, although it was never published. She had a natural gift of expression in writing.
Although she retired from being a dispatcher she continued to share the local news, police, fire and ambulance calls through a Topeka social media scanner page.
She truly loved her family and loved that her grandchildren called her "Ooie". She spent countless hours playing with her grandchildren, watching them play sports and attend dance recitals.
Debbie "Ooie" will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, June 3, 2019 at Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Chapel one hour prior to the service.
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