Deborah “Debi” Lynn McKinzie, 72, of North Platte, Nebraska, formerly of Evergreen, Colorado, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2022, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.
Debi was born in Denver, Colorado on June 14,1950 to Geraldine Gill and Lawrence McKinzie Jr. She grew up the eldest of three siblings. While growing up in Colorado, Debi discovered her love of nature. Her family eventually relocated to Anaheim, California. That is when Debi discovered her fondness for the ocean and sunny beaches. Debi attended Western High school, graduating with honors in 1968. The 1970s proved to be another adventure when Debi welcomed two sons into the world. Debi adored her children and would often take them to Huntington Beach to frolic. Those trips to Huntington Beach frequently included the company of her brother Paul and great friend and sister-in-law, Gayle, and Debi’s nieces. Debi always adored her family. In 1988, she relocated back to Evergreen, Colorado to be closer to family. The mountains brought a sense of happiness to her life and would often go visit friends and family at Evergreen Inn. In 2004, Debi relocated once more to North Platte, NE to be closer to her adult sons and their families. Despite it all, Debi always let it be known that her true home was in the mountains.
Debi had many accomplishments in her lifetime but, above all, it was her close relationships with God and her family that she considered her greatest achievements. Debi was grateful for each day that the Lord gave her and was an avid Joyce Meyer’s fan. She sought shelter, advice, and blessings from the Lord not only for herself but for others as well. Debi had a big heart. Whenever possible, Debi always tried to help those in need and any fur baby that crossed her path. Debi was thankful for the family she was given and was so very proud of her boys and their families. She loved getting everyone together for family meals and sharing recipes. She never forgot a birthday, an anniversary, or other special occasions. She was always prepared with a card and special message. She leaves behind a legacy of sons, honorary daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include sister, Pam (Doug) Baker, of North Platte, NE., sister-in-law, Gayle McKinzie, of Evergreen CO., cousin, Larry Lee, of Denver, CO., friend, Michael Kennedy., sons, Sean (Myrna) McKinzie and Allyn (Mindy) McKinzie, of North Platte, NE. Grandchildren, Lyndsey (Danny) Nathan, Jordan (Marcella) Wehrle, Tyler (Mia) Andracki, Madison McKinzie, Ethan McKinzie, and Lawrence “James” McKinzie, and great-grandchildren Joseph, Audrey, Danny Jr., Paxton, Lennox, Daxton, Waverly, Roman, and Breckynn, and many beloved extended family members and friends.
Debi is preceded in death by her parents, Geraldine Gill and Lawrence “Grandpa Red” McKinzie Jr., honorary mother, Caroline McKinzie, her brothers, Lawrence “Paul” McKinzie, Ronald Rixe, Pat Colburth, Mikel McKinzie, Brent Larson, and Bradley McKinzie.
A private celebration of Debi’s life will be held at a later date. Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte, NE has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.carpentermemorial.com.