I was so saddened to hear of Mrs. Blue’s passing. She was one of my favorite teachers, and I have such fond memories of her classroom, especially the reading tub! I truly cannot imagine a person better suited to teach kindergarten than Mrs. Blue. Ever patient, comforting, and encouraging, she set me up for success and had a tremendous impact on my life. So much so that for years I went back to visit her whenever I could. In more recent years, my mom had the opportunity to assist in Mrs. Blue’s classroom, and she was struck by how caring Mrs. Blue still was after all those years of teaching. My heart goes out to Mr. Blue, Jordan, and the rest of the family.
~Taylor Davis, Canterbury c/o 2003

Mike.
I was shaken to the core to see this about Debbie.  I was so thrilled when we were invited to her retirement party at Canterbury.  Plus the 4 of us met for dinner and had a great time a few years ago.  Then,  Deb and I kept in touch having had grand babies around the same time.  Ken and I were so hoping to get together with you both again but between our babysitting and yours, we didn't get it done.  Those grandkids sure are a shining light for us and I know Deb will be enjoying every moment even in paradise.   In 1976 when I arrived at Canterbury, Deb, Mary and I and the rest of our gang sure had a ton of great times, with you and the guys too.  And then add Ken in as I met him on that trip Deb, Mary and I took to Key West.  What memories we all have.  And, I will cherish them continually especially during this time.  Our condolences to you, Mike and your precious family.  Much love, Paula and Ken Eichbauer

I had the privilege of working with Mrs. Blue during the school year 2001-2002 as her aide. I left in order to become a teacher, or I would have stayed right there.  
Debbie’s classroom was always filled with joy!  Every day was filled with warm hugs, big smiles, wonderful laughter, and  lots and lots of love.  (Debbie even allowed my daddy to become the class grandpa!) 
She was an amazing person; it was a gift to know her.

Our two daughters, Julia and Laura ,got a wonderful start in life with the help of Debbie. A good beginning many times sets the course of what follows. We are convinced that what she provided has been the foundation for both of them. Also, her sunny disposition made a great influence on how to live their lives .  We shall never forget her.

Al and Nicole Frierson

Mike and Jordan,
It was such a shock to hear about Debbie.  I have such fond memories of teaching beside her.  My room backed up to hers and we did many things  together.  What good times we had!  And certainly I had lots to learn from her.  She was so patient and kind with her students.  One of those students was my own son and then my daughter.  We still speak of her glowingly all these years later.  She was a special person as well as teacher.
I can’t tell you how sorry I am to hear of her passing.  I remember the day you were born Jordan, and a prouder Mom and Dad you will never find.  She was a proud Grandma too!  Please take comfort in knowing many remember her and her smiling face.  My heartfelt condolences to you.

My three daughters, Sherry, Heather, and Paige, all had the privilege of having Debbie as their kindergarten teacher. She was a dedicated teacher who cared deeply about each of her students. My daughters remember her kindness and smile. I also had the privilege of working with Debbie at Canterbury. She was a tireless teacher who spent countless hours making a warm and inviting environment for her kindergartners to thrive and grow. She impacted many lives, and my husband and I feel fortunate that Debbie was our daughters’ teacher. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mike, Jordan, and her grandchildren.

Susan and Gordon Harrison

Debbie Blue was three of my son’s kindergarten teacher. She was the absolute best teacher one could ask for. Debbie was kind, thoughtful, caring and patient. We became friends and I am so sad to hear of her passing. Ms. Blue was a special person in many ways. 
Sincerely,
Stacy B. Prater

We were very sad to hear of Debra’s passing, Mike. I can remember my first days at Canterbury, with all the excitement and the anxiety. Meeting Debra the first day, I can honestly say that I walked away happy and ready to go. That feeling lasted until the next time I talked with her for any length of time. She re-charged me. 

I fancy that I can still hear her laughs in the hallways, but I know those will pass. Those laughs, from the depths of her beautiful soul, also worked to bring my spirit where it needed to be for the work we all had to do in a given year, for Mr. Bartels, for the students and their parents, for our colleagues, and for the good of the school. 

Who better to represent the best of The Canterbury School? I am so thankful to have had the pleasure of working there when I started teaching. I am thankful for knowing you and your wife, Mike. God bless you. 

Love,
Charles Balkcom
And 
Bob Zeller

Mike, Jordan Joey, Emory, Ella. Our condolences to all. Debbie was our neighbor for 22 years.  We loved her beautiful  and loving, kind spirit. God has added a new bright star to his heaven. It was my privilege and honor to count her as my friend. Love ya’ll.

Dear Mike, Jordan, Joe, Emery and Ella,
Debbie was a light in our lives, and we are fortunate to have had her shepherd our two sons during their PK school years (and beyond) - we will always be grateful for the care and keeping and calming effect she had on our children (AND us as parents).  Our hearts go out to all of you and your extended family.  Keeping you in our prayers.  With so much love, Sam, Li-Su, Emily, Ethan and Elias

Mike and Jordan,
Mason and I are so saddened to hear of Deb’s passing. Our entire family was profoundly impacted by her kindness, love and friendship.  Her gift of teaching young minds was unmatched. She was a lovely person, inside and out. We send our sincere condolences and love to you and hold tight to our memories of dear Deb. 

Janie and Mason Goss

Mrs. Blue was my kindergarten teacher, more years ago than I care to remember. She taught side by side with my mother for years. I spent countless afternoons popping between her room and my mother's room. After she was my teacher she was my friend. How many people can say they had their kindergarten teacher at their wedding? Fortunately, I am one of them. She was a huge inspiration for me to eventually become an educator myself. I remember her kindness and patience , always pushing her kiddos to do their best and keep trying , even when it was difficult. She taught with love. I have taken those same lessons into my classroom. Thank you Mrs. Blue. I would not be where I am today without you. 
Bethany

I am so sorry to hear of Debbies passing. She was my son Alex’s kindergarten teacher. I was so happy that he got assigned to her class. She was a treasure. Everyone loved her. Alex also was tutored by her in her house where he met Mike and Jordan and their precious dachshunds. Because of her we eventually adopted two of our own. We only lost our Heinz a few years ago, My heart goes out to her family and to the larger Canterbury family, where she inspired so many children. May her memory a blessing.

Pam, Michael and Alexander Gross

Mike and Jordan,

As you both know, Debbie was one of a kind. She had depths of kindness and love that was shared with all who were fortunate enough to know her. I absolutely loved spending time with her! I will treasure my memories with her and hold them especially close at heart.

I send you and your family my prayers and deepest condolences.

With love,
Barbara Ellenberg

Sending love and prayers to Mrs. Blue’s wonderful family. She was simply the best teacher, loving her students unconditionally, one student at a time. She poured her heart and soul into every child, and made learning to read so enjoyable!  She knew her young students so well, supplementing  their activities, and always making learning fun. She adored her own family, and spoke so lovingly of them. She is truly irreplaceable. We are all deeply saddened  by news of her loss! 🙏🏻❤️

I am very saddened to hear of Deb’s passing. I started teaching with Deb at Canterbury in 1974. I have very fond memories of the then young lower school teaching staff of which Deb was the best example! My deepest condolences go out to Mike and Jordan! 

Van Liming, Santa Fe, New Mexico

OBITUARY

Debra Felton Blue

September 29, 1949 – September 13, 2024

Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home

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