Deborah K. Shipley

Obituary for Deborah Kay Botchlet Shipley

November 10, 1950 - September 5, 2025

Deborah Kay Botchlet Shipley, 74, of Whitewater, CO, passed away peacefully at her home on September 5, 2025.

Deborah was born on November 10, 1950, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Harold and Anna Botchlet. She was raised in Oklahoma and graduated from Putnam City High School before eventually making her way to Grand Junction in 1988, where she and her partner in life and business, Denny Wynne, built a full and meaningful life.

For more than 30 years, Deborah was a successful business owner in the Grand Valley. Her hard work, dedication, and determination were evident in every aspect of her life. Above all, she was proud of her children and grandchildren, who were her greatest joy.

Deborah found happiness in gardening and cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. Easter was her favorite holiday, and her family will fondly remember the joy she poured into making it special each year. Those who knew Deborah will remember her as a strong, hardworking woman who was always there for her friends and family.

She is survived by her partner, Denny Wynne; her sons, Joe (Jamie) Shipley and Jeff (Carmen) Shipley; her grandchildren, Jacob (Kelsey) Shipley, Jennifer (Matt) Correll, and Connor Shipley; and her great-granddaughter, Paisley Shipley. She is also survived by her brother Mike Botchlet and sister Pat Weekly. Deborah was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Danny.

A celebration of Deborah’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Pass the Buck Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation. PO Box 46, Silt, CO 81652 or to HopeWest at www.hopewestco.org/donate/

Deborah’s memory will live on in the love of her family, the friendships she nurtured, and the traditions she created.