Debra (Debbie) Wagstaff White's Obituary
Debra “Debbie” White
With profound sadness and hearts full of love, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Debra “Debbie” Wagstaff White. Debbie passed away peacefully at home on July 10, 2026, at the age of 73. Throughout the years, she faced multiple strokes and several battles with cancer with remarkable strength, grace, and quiet courage. Despite everything she endured, she did not complain, choosing instead to focus on the people she loved and the memories they were making together.
Debbie graduated from Weber High School in 1971. Soon after, she met the love of her life, Kenneth “Kenny” White. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage that reflected a lifetime of love and devotion. Kenny always lovingly cared for his wife at home, always placing her comfort and well-being above his own.
Whether they were camping, attending the National Finals Rodeo each December, or simply enjoying time at home, Debbie’s favorite place was wherever she was making memories with the people she loved.
Raised on a farm, Debbie developed a lifelong love of hard work. She held several jobs throughout her life, but one of her greatest joys was serving as a school bus driver for the Weber School District, where she dedicated 30 years of service. She truly loved the children she transported and treasured the friendships she built with her fellow drivers. Many remembered that Debbie made every day more enjoyable with her quick wit, kindness, and wonderful sense of humor. She proudly trained many new drivers—including her daughter, Heidi—and took great pride in watching others succeed.
Anyone who knew Debbie knew she never went anywhere without looking her best. Whether she was heading to work, church, or out with family, her hair and nails were always done, her jewelry was on, and she always wore a big smile. Her fellow drivers still smile when they talk about her, and many children hoped they would get to ride Debbie’s bus because they knew she’d greet them with kindness, laughter, and a smile that could brighten anyone’s day.
Being a Wife, Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma brought Debbie more joy than anything else in life. She was incredibly proud of Kelly and Heidi and treasured watching their families grow. She never missed an opportunity to show up for the people she loved. Whether cheering from the stands at a grandchild’s game, celebrating milestones, or simply spending time together, Debbie made everyone around her feel deeply loved.
Farm life always remained close to Debbie’s heart. She especially enjoyed working alongside her son, Kelly, sharing the hard work and simple pleasures that came with life on the farm. She loved driving the corn truck for her dad during harvest—even if it meant placing blocks on the pedals so she could reach them—and later found great joy having her grandchildren beside her while irrigating and working on the farm. She had a gift for turning ordinary days into lifelong memories.
Some of Debbie’s happiest moments were spent making memories with the people she loved. She treasured the traditions she shared with her mother, Cleo and daughter, Heidi, especially their shopping trips followed by lunch at the ZCMI Tiffin Room. Debbie faithfully spent weekends cheering Heidi on at her high school rodeos, celebrating every accomplishment with pride. She also loved camping with her grandchildren at Lava Hot Springs, where weekends were filled with laughter, adventure, and the simple joy of being together. Every December, one of the highlights of her year was traveling to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo. While Kenny enjoyed the rodeo action, Debbie especially loved shopping at the Cowboy Christmas Market, finding treasures to bring home. Many of Debbie’s favorite memories were made around the table with the people she loved. Family dinners—especially at Utah Noodle—became cherished traditions because they meant everyone was together.
Anyone who knew Debbie knew she had a generous heart, a quick wit, and a mischievous sense of humor that kept everyone laughing. She loved to tease those she cared about and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Her children always knew they could count on her love and encouragement. Whether she was helping with a special project, quietly slipping a $20 bill into someone’s pocket before they headed out the door, or simply showing up whenever she was needed, Debbie found countless ways to let the people she loved know they mattered.
Debbie is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Kenneth “Kenny” White; her son, Kelly (JeaLeen) White; her daughter, Heidi (Shane) Douglas; her beloved grandchildren, Kolby (Amy) White, Jessica White, Jacee (Bowen) Koenig, Pacen (Cassidy) Douglas, and Kenlee (Joshua) Byers; her cherished great-grandchildren, Kamdin, Kynslee, Swayde, Westley, and Tatum; and her beloved and faithful companion, Tooter.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Duane and Cleo Wagstaff, and her brother, Dean Wagstaff.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Inspiration Home Health and Hospice, especially Bella and Shelby, for the compassionate care they provided Debbie. They also wish to express their sincere appreciation to Debbie’s cousin, Karen Breitenbeker, and to Laree Herrick for their love, friendship, and unwavering support through the last days of Debbie’s life and for the kindness they showed both Debbie and Kenny.
If you knew Debbie, you knew that family was everything to her. She never measured a good life by the things she had, but by the people she loved and the memories they made together. She found joy in showing up for others, sharing laughter, working hard, and creating traditions that will be treasured for generations
Debbie’s legacy is one of love, laughter, service and unwavering dedication to family and friends. Her quick wit, generous spirit and warm heart will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at West Weber Cemetery, 4532 W. 950 N., Ogden, Utah
Family and friends are invited to attend as they gather to celebrate Debbie’s beautiful life.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Debbie’s memory are invited to make a donation to Huntsman Cancer Institute.
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