Deborah Prechtel Hamilton

Deborah was born April 1, 1953 in Denver, Colorado. Parents were Joyce Covey Prechtel and William Prechtel. Debbie's mother was a feature writer for the Denver Post for many years, her father was in real estate and financing.

Debbie was raised in the hilltop neighborhood, attending area schools and graduated from George Washington High School. After graduating High School, Debbie attended The University of Colorado in Boulder, graduating with a BS degree in History.

After graduating CU, Debbie entered the insurance industry. Debbie started a job for a local agency in Ouray, Colorado. Soon after her arrival there, she bought a Toyota Land Cruiser and with close neighbors, learned to drive and explore the many legendary passes known in that area.

After 4 years, wanting to advance her insurance career, Debbie left Ouray and moved back to the Denver area, working for small agencies. Still wanting to excel in this area, Debbie went to work for 2 of the larger insurance companies in Denver, moving to the corporate side. Debbie attended several classes in the asbestos abatement field, becoming a specialist in that area. Debbie soon became known in this area, and was called on many times for her knowledge and accuracy in remediation. Debbie advanced in her work and became an insurance agent and a senior underwriter.

Debbie's work career came to a close in mid October 2006 when she suffered a stroke. After an 8 hour surgery, a masterful neurosurgeon at a local Boulder hospital saved Debbie's life. After 3 months of recovery, Debbie returned to a life of homemaker in a home she and her husband Jim had built in Lafayette, Colorado. With a minimum of side effects from her stroke, Debbie became an excellent cook and baker. Debbie was known for her lasagna, using a recipe her Great Grandmother had handed down.

October 6, 2022, Debbie was outside waiting for the morning paper, coming back inside her apartment she caught the toe of her slipper on the sidewalk, throwing her to the sidewalk, busting her chin open and severely hurting her left upper arm. After a trip to the local hospital ER, Debbie's chin was stitched and xrays proved she'd severely fractured her left upper arm. Surgery was performed and surgeons placed a plate and several screws. Since October 6th, remedial surgeries were done to help in Debbie's recovery.

Between hospital stays, Debbie was placed in a rehabilitation facility across the street from Good Samaritan Hospital. These hospital stays and rehab stunts started to wear Debbie's resolve down.

On the morning of April 12, The nurse brought Debbie's meds and realized that Debbie wasn't very cognizant in complying. Debbie was taken to Good Samaritan ER, where a nasal swab was done and COVID 19 was subsequently confirmed. Over the next 2 days in an isolation room, Debbie continued to fight this, even though X-rays confirmed her lungs were severely compromised.

On the night of April 14, 2023, Debbie gave up the valiant struggle and the Lord took Debbie's hand and walked her into Heaven.

Debbie leaves behind a son, Aaron Smith, living in Florida; Step-mother to Jim's 2 daughters Sharla Hamilton of Thornton, and 2 Step-daughters, Sharla Hamilton of Thornton and Amanda Hamilton, living in Indiana; 13 Grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Debbie's brother Rick resides in Dallas, Texas.

Debbie met her future husband Jim after they had attended an AA meeting. Jim knew this young lady wasn't going to get away. Their meeting in early January 1987 was followed by a long, long 4 month courtship and they married on May 11th. Jim and Debbie were married 36 loving and memorable years, with the 37th anniversary on this coming May 11th.