Debra Kay Kelly

She was born on January 11, 1959, in Sioux City, Iowa. From a young age, Debra carried a strong sense of faith and a caring spirit that would guide her throughout her life. She attended Catholic school through her graduation, and her faith remained an important part of who she was—something she shared deeply with her family.

In her early years, she met her husband while serving in the Army Reserves. During that time, she welcomed her first son, Joshua. After two years of service, she and her husband chose to begin their life together in marriage. She stepped away from the Reserves to dedicate herself fully to motherhood, a role she embraced with love and pride, while her husband transitioned into the United States Air Force. Together, they began a life of adventure that would take them across the world, including time in England, where their second son and third child, a daughter, were also born. Their travels continued as they were stationed in Wyoming, Iowa, Missouri, the Azores, New Mexico, Germany, Virginia, and Oregon.

Throughout her life, Debra wore many hats. She started a daycare and later held a variety of roles, but above all, she was a devoted and loving mother. She was an excellent cook and a talented chef, a natural caregiver, and later worked as a school lunch provider, where she built a stable career and, above all, took great pride in her work and independence.

Debra had a deep love for life and found joy in the simple and meaningful things. She loved cooking, the beach, music, films, reading, decorating, arts and crafts, and spending time with her family. She had a special love for animals, especially birds. She carried a warm and graceful energy, always seeing the good in people and in the world around her. She was adventurous at heart—always ready to explore, experience new places, and enjoy life’s moments, from festivals to quiet days with loved ones.

She was the heart of the family, creating a home filled with love, joy, and tradition. From holidays where she brought magic to life, to simple routines like sharing snacks after dinner or watching movies together on the weekends, she made everyday moments feel special. She loved to dance, would often sing just for the joy of it, and found happiness in time spent together—whether at festivals, amusement parks, or quiet days at home. She found her greatest joy in seeing her children happy and made everyone feel deeply loved, especially on their birthdays. Her presence was constant, her care unwavering, and her love unconditional.

She fought pancreatic cancer with the heart of a warrior, giving everything she had for more time with the people she loved. Even through her hardest moments, she never lost the love and light that defined her. She had a way of making people feel seen, cared for, and deeply loved, always thinking of others before herself.

It brings comfort to her family to know she is no longer in pain. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend—and above all, she was an incredible person. Her love and spirit will continue to live on in all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; her children, Jared Anthony, Joshua Arvin, and Jenna Rae Reed; her son-in-law, Sean Reed; her daughter-in-law, Heather Kelly; her mother, Donna Uhl (VanRennes); her sister, Jackie Hearing; her brothers, Mark Uhl and Jeff Uhl; her grandchildren, Sierra Sky Wanca, Gareth Kelly, Ian Kelly, Tristen Powell, Reign Reed, and Devin Reed; her great-granddaughter, Amelia Wanca; two twin granddaughters expected in June; as well as Aiden Patterson, and extended family members Eric and Jade, all of whom were loved as part of her family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Arvin “Papa” Uhl, who passed in 2025.

A memorial service will be held on April 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham, Oregon.

Mom, you showed us what it means to truly live. Your love, your light, and your spirit will never fade, and we will carry you forward in everything we do. We love you always.