Debbie was always an angel here on earth but on January 18, 2016, she became the newest angel in Heaven. Born in Wichita, Kansas on March 22nd, 1951 to Carol Anne (Mc Omber) Steele and David W. Mc Omber she joined older sister Sheila Anne and was there to welcome sisters Terri Lynn, Joni Renee and Kristi Jean.
At sunrise that morning, Debbie passed away from a 7 year battle with dementia and ultimately, Alzheimer’s. Surrounded by loved ones, family and friends, she seemed to say ‘enough is enough’ and waited till we had all left and made her own leap to Heaven. Debbie is joined in Heaven by her father David, her mother Carol and step-father Bob-Bob.
Debbie was six when her father moved the family to Seattle continuing his work with Boeing Aircraft Company. Her mother went to work with the Federal Way School District as a secretary at Mirror Lake Elementary School on 7th Ave. So.
Debbie attended Mirror Lake Elementary and went on to graduate from Federal Way High School, class of 1969. But her journey through those years was embodied in the Camp Fire Girls organization and is what propelled her into her music, her guitars, (6 & 12 strings!) her friendships – all of which lasted throughout her entire life.
Singing…always singing. And – oh, could she sing. It began in church where her father was a preacher and her mother played the piano and sang in the choir. Both parents had beautiful voices and were often joined in song by Debbie and every now and then her sisters got a chance to sing with her. By junior high, she was singing at retirement homes, JBLM (Fort Lewis), PTA’s and other community events. But most of all, she sang with all her Camp Fire sisters. Debbie’s middle name should have been Harmony. That’s how she sang; that’s how she made all others around her feel.
Debbie went to work for the Federal Way School District as well, in the office at Sacajawea Jr. High, and then had a rewarding career with Weyerhaeuser Corporation. After retirement she moved to San Diego, CA. and immediately found a welcoming home singing with the Sweet Adeline’s Choir, performing in competitions and musicals abound.
But above all else, Debbie’s life revolved around her children, daughters Wanda O’Leary of Orting, WA. and K’Lene Oen of San Diego, CA., her fabulous grandchildren, A.J. and Jake of Orting, - Kyle and Kelsey of San Diego, and her scrumptious Great-Grandson Wayland of Orting.
Debbie’s last months brought her life full circle. She moved into a beautiful setting at “A New Angel” home. It is a private residence located on 7th Ave So. in Federal Way…right next door to Mirror Lake Elementary School. From her window she could see the playground where she went to elementary school and surely felt her mother watching over.
Debbie is survived by ex-husband Butch Van De Riet of Fairfield, Montana, daughters Wanda & K’Lene, grandchildren A.J., Jake, Kyle, Kelsey & great grandson Wayland. Sisters Sheila (Kurt) Hays, Terri (Arturo) Salas, Joni (Ken) Woodring and Kristi (John) Poe. Several cousins, nieces and nephews and a pretty impressive group of best friends – Linda Benefiel, Kathy Lande, Anita Burks, Patci McNamee and Beau Beaudry, just to name a few.
A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held on Saturday, February 6th, Salty's on Redono 11am-2pm. If you have any questions please contact Wanda O'Leary at 858-880-8748 or email wanda.oleary@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers, Debbie's wishes would be that donations may be made to the Camp Fire Girls and Boys of America. Any cards can be mailed to Wanda O'Leary PO Box 134, Orting, WA 98360