Debra was born on October 9th, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri. There she attended Southeast High School where she met Bert Arbuthnot. After dating for 2 years they eloped to Salem, Oregon to get married and start their lives as a married couple. In 1971, they moved back to the Kansas City area to be closer to their families. The couple’s firstborn, Tami, quickly followed. Debra and Bert welcomed their second child, Tim, 19 months later, marking the beginning of a journey filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. They eventually landed in Lenexa, Kansas in 1981 to raise their children and build a marriage that lasted 38 years until Bert’s death in 2008.
Debra dedicated 35 years of her life to B.F. Ascher, a family-owned Pharmaceutical Company, whom she called her second family. She retired on May 22, 2022, leaving an enduring legacy of dedication and hard work.
A spunky little spitfire who truly loved life, Debra was known for her boundless generosity and a heart that embraced everyone. She was a big hugger who cherished her family, her dog Harley, the KC Royals, the KC Chiefs and her friends dearly. She always claimed that her children were her best accomplishment, and there was never a phone call or visit that didn’t end in an “I love you more”! Debra’s selflessness was immeasurable and she would go to great lengths to help anyone in need.
Debra Arbuthnot is survived by her children, Tami Arbuthnot (Mark Kahler), Tim Arbuthnot, brother, Mark Cooper (Cheryl Richey), nephew, Cole Cooper and her partner Rick Biggers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert Arbuthnot, her father, Sam Cooper, her mother, Lydia Watson, her stepfather, Bill Watson, and Elvis Presley.
May the memory of Debra Arbuthnot continue to shine brightly in our hearts, a testament to a life well-lived and a spirit that will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KC Pet Project in her honor. https://donate.kcpetproject.org/fundraiser/5172564/dashboard/details
