Debra Lynn Gunnarson, age 39, passed away Thursday, August 30, 2007 at the United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, WA. She was born September 19, 1967 in Hillsboro, OR, the daughter of Richard and Edna Tasa Hayman.
Debra grew up in Hillsboro before moving to the Bend area attending school and returned to Aloha graduating from Aloha High School in 1985. While attending high school she played varsity basketball. She then attended Northwest College in Kirkland, WA where she married Michael Gunnarson on July 9, 1988 in Aloha and she graduated in 1991 with a BA in Music. She loved music being a singer and a classical piano player. She and Mike sang together in college and later sang at various church events, weddings, and funerals.
Debra has been a resident of Skagit Valley since 1992 residing in Burlington until moving to Sedro-Woolley 6 years ago. She worked as a legal secretary up to the time Brianna was born and then became a homemaker and home schooled her children. Debra enjoyed outdoor activities with her family which included boating and camping as well as spending time with her close friends. Debra was creative and artistic; she and her friends enjoyed swapping furniture and re-arranging each other’s homes. She was a member of Viewcrest Assembly of God Church in Mount Vernon and was choir director for 1 year until becoming ill.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Gunnarson and her children; Brianna, Thomas, Brandon, and Nathan of Sedro-Woolley. Her parents, Richard and Edna Hayman of Bend, OR and a sister, Kelly Coffman and her children, Richard and Christina of Aloha, OR. Father and mother-in-law, Howard and Ruth Gunnarson of Yakima and a brother-in-law, Pat Gunnarson of Boise, ID. Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 7, 2007 at 2:00PM at Viewcrest Assembly of God Church in Mount Vernon with Pastor Ken Hubbard officiating. Inurnment will be at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday until Thursday from 9AM to 5PM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Memorials are suggested to Viewcrest Christian School 830 N. 16th Mount Vernon, WA 98273.