Debra J Burns

Deb was born on July 27, 1956, to Marvin H. Richard and Donna L. (McNeff) Richard at St. Mary’s Hospital in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Evangelical Church in Scottsbluff.

Deb attended Bryant Elementary School and Scottsbluff Junior High School and graduated from Scottsbluff High School with the Class of 1974.

In her younger years, Deb was active in Bluebirds and enjoyed swimming at Westmoor Pool, exploring outdoors, and spending time swimming and water skiing at her family’s cabin at Lake Minatare. On September 1976, she married Carl Francisco, and together they welcomed a son, Lee, and a daughter, Sarah. Deb and Carl shared a love of snowmobiling, water skiing, and classic cars. The couple later divorced.

Deb married Len Burns in July 1996, and together they operated The Pond Bar and Grill in Terrytown, Nebraska.

Throughout her adult life, Deb worked in a variety of roles, including as a bookkeeper for Jack and Jill, providing bookkeeping services for Bumper to Bumper Body & Paint, working at Ridge Insurance Agency, and later for David Hergert and Home Depot. After retirement Deb helped her brother at the flower shop. Deb also taught Jazzercise and attended numerous competitions.

Deb lived an active life and could often be found riding bicycles to Mitchell with her friend Janis, rollerblading with her children along the river pathway, or spending summer afternoons at Westmoor Pool. She was active in the Longfellow PTO, where she served as president and helped organize the annual Junk Food Walk alongside her friend Marsha. Deb volunteered for more than 20 years at the Chili Cook-Off during Oregon Trail Days. Deb was an advid golfer and enjoyed golfing with her friends and brother until her health declined.

Deb was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. She and Len attended the 2002 Rose Bowl, the 2009 Holiday Bowl, and many Denver Broncos home games.

Later in life, Deb found her greatest joy in her grandchildren. She cherished time spent with Graceon and Cambrie and took pride in her time with them. Deb also deeply valued her friendships and had many close friends throughout her life. Whether gathering for conversation, laughter, or shared adventures, she treasured the time spent with those she cared about and maintained lifelong friendships that meant a great deal to her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Panhandle Humane Society, 126 South Beltline Highway West, Scottsbluff, NE 69361.

Deb was preceded in death by her grandparents, Edward and Dorothy McNeff and Fred and Anna Richard; her parents, Marvin H. and Donna L. Richard; her husband, Len Burns; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her son, Lee Richard Francisco (Kevin Michaud) of Phoenix, Arizona; her daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Ann (Christopher) Stillahn of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; her beloved grandchildren, Graceon and Cambrie; her brother and sister-in-law, Doug (Cheryl) Richard of Dalhart, Texas; her brother, Marv Richard of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; her niece, Ashley (James) Peoples of Dalhart, Texas, and their children, Alexandria and Axel; her niece, Aryonna (Matt Chiesa) Richard of Denver, Colorado; and her nephew, Nathan Richard of Dalhart, Texas.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com for the family.