Debra Jean Hope

surrounded by her family as they read heartfelt messages from numerous get-well cards. Known

affectionately as Debbie, she was a kind and thoughtful soul who cherished animals, nature, music and

travel. She maintained enduring friendships from her school days and touched the lives of many through

her work, volunteering and community connections.

Debbie was a proud graduate of Wichita North High School, class of 1970. She began her higher

education journey at Friends University but ultimately earned her Bachelor of Science from Wichita

State University and her Masters from Texas Christian University. With her master’s degree in

psychology, she found her professional calling in the Alexandria, LA area, where she dedicated nearly 26

years to serving the mentally disabled population as a psychologist with the State of Louisiana and the

private sector. After semi-retiring in 2008, she relocated to Clinton, MO, resuming her career at the

Center for Human Services in Harrisonville and Warsaw, MO. Throughout her 43-year professional

tenure, she generously gave of her time and volunteered for local organizations, including Meals on

Wheels, Pawsibiilties are Endless and the Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory & Education Center in

Louisburg, KS.

After officially retiring in 2021, Debbie returned to Wichita, purchasing a charming home overlooking the

Arkansas River in the Twin Lakes area. Here, she consumed the tranquility of nature from her upstairs

deck, while also reconnecting with high school classmates and exploring the city's cultural offerings and

attractions. She often traveled to Kansas City for special events and cherished time with family,

particularly during holidays.

Unfortunately, Debbie's health began to decline in 2023 due to hereditary liver disease, which

progressed to cirrhosis. Despite her resilience, complications arose, and she was admitted to the

hospital in January 2024 and later transferred to a skilled nursing unit at Foxwood Springs, in Raymore,

MO where her niece’s family and sister live. She was a real trooper adapting to a new environment,

taking dialysis three times a week for failing kidneys, dealing with increased edema and coping with her

lack of independence. April 16th was an important day that included a meeting with the KU transplant

team. During that meeting she received the somber news that she was not deemed a candidate for liver

and kidney transplants. The next day, she made the decision to enter hospice care, a decision she had

previously discussed with her family to prepare them for her journey home.

Debbie is survived by her sister, Lynda Beth Adams of Raymore, MO, brother Randle Hope (Marian) of

Timnath, CO, nieces Lorri Adams and Lynna Goldsby, both of Olathe, KS, Leann Alexander (John) of

Raymore, MO, nephews Matthew Hope (Nichole) and Nathan Hope (Lindsay) all of Fort Collins, CO,

great-nieces Katie and Jillian Alexander, both of Raymore, MO and other relatives and numerous friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Margaret Hope, nephew, Kevin Hope, brother-in-law Larry Adams and many ancestors, known and unknown.

Debbie lived life to the fullest, attending numerous concerts, advocating for animals, traveling

extensively and hosting memorable Christmas gatherings. She generously supported over 16 nonprofit

organizations, notably Pawsibiilties Are Endless. Memorial donations in her memory are encouraged to

this organization.

To make donations in Debbie’s memory to Pawsibiilties, please visit her memorial

page here https://pawsibilities-are-endless-donation.cheddarup.com/ or mail donations to:

Pawsibilities PO Box 174, Sedalia, Mo 65301. A memorial service is planned on Saturday, June 22, 2024,

at Villa Luna, 8406 W Central Ave, Wichita, KS beginning at 1:00 pm.

Debra Hope's passion for life and her enduring impact on those around her will be cherished and

remembered fondly by all who knew her.