Debra Jean Losson

Debra Jean Losson, lovingly known to many as Deb, passed away on February 5, 2026, in Andover, Kansas, at the age of 70. She was born on September 24, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Curtis Evelyn Olson and Shirley Jean Baumbach.

Debra grew up in Iowa and was the youngest of three children—and the only daughter. She attended West Delaware Public Schools in Manchester, where she made many cherished memories, especially in Iowa’s beautiful state parks.

In 1973, she married Edward Massingham, and together they welcomed seven children: Brandy Ann, Elizabeth Jean, Brion Anthony, Jessica Pauline, Jeremy Edward, Billie Leah, and Elyjah Joseph. After their marriage ended in 2005, Debra later married Paul Losson in 2006; that union lasted until 2025.

Throughout her life, Debra embraced adventure and change. She lived in several states—Wisconsin, Hawaii, and California among them—before settling in Kansas, where she built a warm and welcoming home.

Debra held many jobs over the years, including Army spouse, bartender, and employee at Ertl’s toy factory. Ultimately, she found her greatest joy in her later years as a devoted homemaker, pouring her heart into creating a home filled with love, laughter, and comfort.

Debra was endlessly creative and curious. She enjoyed genealogy, painting, sewing, antiquing, crafting wreaths, and swimming. She adored fairies, loved attending rock and roll concerts, and was a passionate fan of the Green Bay Packers. Many Packer games were shared long‑distance with her daughter Brandy—celebrating touchdowns, debating bad calls, and yelling in unison until breathless laughter ensued.

One of Debra’s most treasured memories was her trip to Maine with her daughter, Liz, where she fell in love with the Atlantic Ocean, the towering pine trees, and the state’s iconic lighthouses. She did not, however, fall in love with lobster.

Debra possessed an extraordinary gift for gardening. She could revive even the most hopeless plants, restoring them with patience and love. Billie often brought her half‑dead plants, trusting in her mother's gentle touch to bring them back to life—and she always did.

Debra's home became the family gathering place for every holiday and barbecue, something her son Ely especially cherished. She shared her love and knowledge of BBQ and smoking meat with her son Brion, a tradition he carries forward with pride.

Debra adored animals—especially her beloved dogs Charlie and Uhtred, her cat Snickers, and even a pet squirrel named Sassy. She also expressed herself beautifully through her poetry. Her favorite color was her birthstone: Sapphire Blue.

Debra is survived by her brothers, Ronald of Manchester, Iowa, and Dennis of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her children, Brandy (Ralph) Davis, Elizabeth (Daniel) Linksy, Brion (Virginia) Massingham, Billie (John), and Elyjah (Jessica) Massingham; 21 grandchildren; and two great‑grandsons, Elijah and Briar. She is also survived by both of her former husbands and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in‑laws who remained an important part of her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her twin children, Jessica Pauline and Jeremy Edward Massingham; and her grandsons Lawrence Ralph Davis III and Garridan Kirkwell Massingham.

Debra will be remembered for her humor, her love of pranks, her holiday magic, her kindness, and the way she made every gathering feel special. Her brother Dennis will forever remember her as “little Ols,” and her children will hold tight to the memories they shared—retelling them often to their own children and grandchildren, ensuring her love continues through generations. We love you, Mom.

Debra requested to be cremated, with her ashes returned to her children.

Memorial donations in Debra's memory may be made to your local Humane Society, an organization close to her heart.