Debra held many occupations throughout her lifetime. First and foremost, she is a wonderful, loving, caring , and devoted mother to five beautiful daughters. She loved each and every one of them in her own way. Raised them to be strong, independent women.
She wore several professional hats and was successful in all she did. She was an Avon Lady for many years, and eventually became an Avon Ambassador. She was also a school bus driver for USD259, flower delivery lady for Tillie's Flower Shop, a sales lady for Tupperware, a parts inspector for Cessna, a bartender for Sports Edition, which led to her becoming a bar manager for her beloved partner of many years Al Aramburu. For the last 13 years she has been a pharmacy technician with Walmart.
Her hobbies consisted of playing bingo, going to the casino, crocheting, sewing, and most recently the love of coloring. She would stay up late most evenings with her glitter pens all sprawled out on her bed, with her casino game going on her tablet, the T.V blaring the national news. She was also a very skilled bowler at Thunderbird Bowl, participating in leagues often. She spent many summers playing softball as #22.
She also was an avid football fanatic! Her team of choice..... The Kansas City Chiefs! She always tuned in and always had both T.V. 's playing the game so she wouldn't miss a play. She was a wonderful cook and passed down her skills to her daughters. But she will always be the keeper of her father's famous pork sauce recipe.
What she enjoyed most of all was spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She has many friends and family and has touched so many lives over the course of her lifetime. A mentor for so many, a tough as nails personality, a straight shooter and would never steer you in the wrong direction. Debra lived her life with deep compassion for others, unwavering strength, and a heart always open to others.
Debra is survived by her daughters, Christina Hernandez; Bobbie Riffel (Timothy); Debra Cottman; Jacklynn Rodriguez (Brian); Brittney Aubert; stepsons John Aramburu (Alyssa) and Alfred Aramburu (Candance); her sister Sherry Creasey; her brother Donald Sandlian Jr. All of Wichita, Kansas.
Debra is preceded in death by her father Donald Sandlian, Sr and mother Virginia (Jones) Sandlian; brother Rex Sandlian; sister Gaylene Armstrong and brother-in-law Brad Armstrong; her partner of 30+years Alfred "Al" Aramburu.
Left to cherish her memory are her beloved grandchildren; Kristopher Delgado, Valerie Delgado, Benny (Alyssa) Delgado, Autumn (Nick) Phillips, Tayten Collins, Tyi Gray, Vanessa (James) Hamilton, Dakota Cottman, Dawson Cottman, Madison (Nathan) Richardson, Kai Rodriguez, Makena Rodriguez, Kaden Glenn, Jayden Gordon, Amiyah Gordon, Katheryn Aramburu, Novella Aramburu, Asher Aramburu, Gavin Aramburu, Gabriella Aramburu, and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Debra was known for her tenacity, dedication, and resilience. A friend, mother and confidante to many. She was deeply devoted to her children and grandchildren. She is loved beyond words and will be missed by all.
A Celebration of Life come and go gathering will be on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM at Brightwater Bay located at 4900 W. 31st St. S., Wichita, KS 67217.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to the Cancer Treatment Center of Kansas.
