Deborah A. “Debbie” Lemley, age 66, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at her cabin on Lake Samish. She was born on February 16, 1956 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, the daughter of Richard and Bobbie (Watson) Gallagher Jr.
Debbie grew up in Sedro-Woolley attending school and in high school she enjoyed sports and student leadership activities, graduating in 1974 from Sedro-Woolley High School.
After graduation, Debbie attended and graduated from ITT Peterson School of Business in Seattle. In 1975, she returned to Sedro-Woolley and began her career with Doorn and Associates Insurance working as a secretary/office manager for 25 years. From 2000 to 2015 she worked in multiple departments at Macy’s, where she was affectionately known as the “Shoe Lady”.
Debbie was married to Rick Lemley, her high school sweetheart, on March 31, 1979 in Sedro-Woolley, celebrating 43 years together. She was a dedicated wife and mother who always attended her children’s sporting events as well as opening her home to her children’s friends. Debbie was a 41 year member of Beta Sigma Phi. She enjoyed camping and traveling in their motorhome, watching Husky, Seahawks and Mariners sporting events as well as spending relaxing time at the Skagit Casino. Most of all Nana enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
Debbie is survived by her husband, Rick Lemley of the family home; son, Evan Lemley and his wife, Tracey of Arlington; daughters, Lauren King and her husband, Mark of Mount Vernon and Kayla Phillips and her husband, Tim of Whidbey Island; five grandchildren, Braden and Daxton Lemley, Mackenzie and Ethan King and Adeline “Addy Kate” Phillips; two sisters, Kathy Folly and her husband, Frank of Lancaster, South Carolina and Barbara Henry and her husband, Keone of Ferndale; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins; and she was a loving aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Bobbie Gallagher; father and mother-in-law, Dick and JoAnna Lemley.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 1:00PM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley with Chaplain Rosalie Robles officiating with interment to follow at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. A reception will follow the services at the Sedro-Woolley Community Center. Please wear your Christmas attire and Christmas sweaters are encouraged as a tribute to Debbie. Memorials are suggested to Children’s Hospital in Seattle. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Please Please share your memories of Debbie and sign the online guestbook.
It’s now been a year since you left us, 💔 I see your picture every day and it makes me miss you even more. Today we celebrate Kayla’s 37th birthday along with your 1st re-birth day so it will be bitter sweet. We all miss you so much. So until I see you again, I Love You. ❤️
Very sorry to hear this Rick. As you have comforted so many with their loss over the years (for example, my dad back in 2017), may you find peace in the midst of this deep loss.
Rick and family,
So very sorry to learn of Debbie’s passing. May good memories bring you comfort now and through the future.
Mary and Jon Walker
Dear Rick and Family,
We are sad beyond words that you have lost your dear Deb. We know what a rock she was to all those around her. She did it with kindness and humor.
My (Val’s) interaction with Debbie usually involved kind of a “get it done “ atmosphere . I bought many a pair of shoes from her, always sale days and busy busy busy . Other times we were both behind the scenes helping the many dancers switch costumes for recitals. She was fun to be around. Blessings to you.
Dear Rick and family. I have known Debbie since high school and of course like then until her passing, she exuded the same wonderful personality and outgoing smile, who made you feel comfortable just being around her. Jan and I send our condolences and we are sorry we could not attend the service as we were out of town.
I will never forget her; that’s the kind of impact great people with loving energy have on a memory.
Rick, I just learned today about Debbie passing away. I am so sad for you. Since we were kids I have always known Debbie to be kind and friendly. I will think healing thoughts for you and your family.
Rick, I’m so sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences for you and your family
Rick , Kayla, Ethan , Lauren , all your grand kids & Family,
My heart was broken when I heard of Debbie’s passing 😔She was such a lovely lady , always a compliment to share, the love of her family was her everything 🥰 I will keep you all in my prayers & I know Debbie will always be with you, that Angel on your shoulders 😇I would have been with you today but we have moved to Arizona . Sending all our love & hugs, Susie & Dale Wardell
Rick, so sorry for your loss. I was going to try and be there today but when I showed up there was and is a very large gathering. You have always been there for our tribal funerals, and I just wanted to give you and your family my condolences.
Rick, we are thinking of you at this most difficult time.
Sending our love and prayers to you and your family.
Rick – I apologize for not being at the Memorial Service today for Debbie. Three weeks ago Covid dumped on me like an avalanche I am still testing positive for the virus. Leslie tells me is is “possible” I may not be contagious but the thought of
10 to 12 hours of traveling seems irresponsible for myself as well as others. I will be thinking of you and your family. I suspect the Memorial will be filled with positive and memorable remarks by many of her friends.
Rick and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Deb’s passing. You have helped so many families navigate their grief after a loss for so many years that we pray you are surrounded by love and support as you grieve the loss of your precious wife.
Rick, Dale and I are so very sorry to hear about Debbie’s passing. She was a wonderful person who will be missed by many. Our prayers for you and your family. Pat and Dale Brooks
Rick,
I am so sorry for the heartbreaking loss of your beautiful and kind wife. (You two were always the sweetest couple in high school!)
May you find peace in sweet memories.
Kindest regards,
Susan Johnson Hanlon
Oh Rick, I am so sorry to hear of your loss my friend. It’s been a while since I have seen you but I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers for you and your family. We all know this isn’t easy to deal with. I am so sorry. Take care of yourself. Thinking of you. Karen (previous owner of Interior Gardens)
May she be forever in your heart my friend.
Dear Rick, Evan, Lauren and Kayla,
There will forever be a void for those of us who were fortunate enough to have Deb as a dear friend. Always wearing a big smile, her beautiful spirit and heart of gold is something we’ll truly miss. We’ll cherish our camping trips, Beta functions, ugly sweater parties, Friday night dinners and love of all things Husky…go Dawgs! We pray all of you find peace in the days ahead and hope you know how much Deb was loved.
Rick, So sorry to hear about Debbie. We’re keeping you and the entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick I’m so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
I m so very sorry Rick & family! Hugs to you all 😢
Rick and family , I am so sorry for your loss my prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time. You have many friends and family to comfort you,
Rick, we are so saddened to know the hardship your family is going through, and we offer our family’s condolences and support. Your neighbors – Karl & Ellen
Rick, so sorry to hear about your loss. Debbie was loved and her smile so contagious.
We are thinking of you and sending healing prayers your way.
Shane and Kim Walley
Debbie, I will forever cherish our friendship. We’ve been through a lot. Kids, camping, concerts, Beta Sigma Phi, Senior parents. You always had a great ear and a beautiful heart. I will miss you dearly. Rest in Peace my friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of loss and adjustment
Dear Rick and family.
Thinking of you at this very sad time. Hoping the comfort of all your memories will help ease your pain and bring a smile to your heart as time goes by.
With deepest sympathy from my parents, Donald and Donna Waite and myself.
Rick, we are so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. We are thinking of you and your family and send our heartfelt condolences.
Prayers and Angels to you, Rick and family to watch over you. So very sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. She was a beautiful lady. God’s speed on Angels wings.
Rick and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Debbie was and will always be remembered for her kindness, her very large giving heart, her beautiful personality and her love for her family and community. I feel blessed to have known her. I send prayers, strength, comfort and much love while you navigate through your new normal. God be with you all. And may this beautiful Angel Rest in Peace through Eternity.
We are so sorry for your loss, Rick – we’re thinking of you! Much care and love ~ Sandström-Resetar Family
Rick … I am so sorry to hear this news. Debbie was always so friendly, kind and smiling. We were only in Woolley for seven years but have so many great connections with friends we made. Even though we have been gone for so many years, I love running into our old friends. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you and bring comfort to your hearts.
Rick so sorry to hear of Debbie, when ever I would see her she would always give me her beautiful smile and hug. I was shock when I heard she was an amazing friend when I went one day to Macy’s she was working she had her beautiful smile and was there to help me with shoes, and always decorated her house so beautiful for Christmas also was blessed to be invited to their Christmas parties. you will be missed so much but never forgotten may you R.I.P. my Beautiful friend 🥰❤️🙏🙏❄️☃️🎄
Rick, So sorry to hear Debbie passing, She had a beautiful soul and always smiling. I remember how excited you two were when your grandkids were born. So many blessings. She will be truly missed by all. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
Dear Rick, Evan, Lauren and Kayla
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We were shocked to hear the news from Kathy. Deb always made me laugh whenever we were together. Our memories of joining your families at the lake cabin are priceless and never to be forgotten.
So sorry to hear of your loss today Rick. Debbie was such a great gal. Always had that twinkle in her eye and that beautiful smile. Hugs to you and your family💕
Rick, Evan, Lauren, Kayla and family-
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Debbie was one of my favorite cheer Moms. She was always a helping hand and always a source of emotional support. I was excited when Kayla made the squad to cheer with Lauren because I knew it meant seeing more of Debbie! Thank you for sharing her with all of us. She made a difference in a lot of lives and will be greatly missed. Praying for peace and comfort in your hearts.
<3,
Jen
Rick, so sorry to hear about your wife’s passing. She left a beautiful family, and I am so sad for you all.
My heart goes out to the family . She will be missed by so many ! Although I didn’t know Debbie well I always enjoyed talking with Her.
Love, hugs and prayers to all.
Deb has been a beautiful light in all of our hearts. We’ve been friends since high school and shared so many Beta socials at your home on New Years Eve. Even the New Years everyone brought spinach dip.
Love you lots ❤️
Rick, Words can’t begin to express my sadness when I heard of Debbie’s passing. Just know that she will always be remembered by me as someone who never forgot a friend. The last we spoke it was like no time had passed since our youthful days in school. You both were so kind.
Rick and family—-My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am so thankful that I got to know and love Debbie these past few years. We’ve shared alot of great times–RV travels –the “big trip”, Oregon Coast, Idaho/Wyoming/Montana, Central Oregon, all the camping outings to Beachwood, Howard Miller, KOA and Thousand Trails. All of the Beta activities. Vegas trips. Playing Mexican Train and Chicken Foot (where you won most of the time). Thursday night dinner out which became Wednesday night, Friday Night Dinner, going to listen to music., your ugly Christmas sweater and bunco parties, football watch parties. Thank you for being a BSU Bronco fan The list goes on and on. I will miss you dearly and cherish all of these memories and more. RIP dear friend
Rick. , Sorry to hear about. Debbie. Thinking of. You.
Debbie, your friendship is a priceless gift that I will always treasure. Our lives intertwined at many phases. Kids in school, Beta Sigma Phi, Friday night dinners with the group, camping and of course our shared love for everything Christmas and Jim Shore.
I will miss you dearly and am honored to have had you as my friend.
Rick, Evan, Lauren and Kayla – Deb will be missed. I have nothing but happy memories of our times together. I have the funniest stories of the time spent with
Rick, Deb and Kathy in Mr. Gerde’s class after school and driving around in cars with each other. Deb was joyful, fun, and always had the best stories. I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you all.
Deb, my dear friend, all the memories we have shared together will warm my heart always. Every camping event will be done with you in mind, I will carry you in my heart and mind always, my new angel. Thanks you for being my friend and there when I needed someone to talk to. Love always to the moon and back.