Deborah Rae Burwell

Deborah Rae Burwell of Gig Harbor passed away peacefully with her loving husband by her side the morning of Feb. 10. She was 69 years old.

Debbie was born the third of six children to Forrest and Dorothy Wheeler in Port Angeles Dec. 13, 1953. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; sister Margaret Fine; brother Lloyd Wheeler; and great-nephew Baby Aaron.

Always athletic as a child, from the age of 13 Debbie was an avid deer hunter and loved being in the woods with “her boys.” She looked forward to hunting each fall.

At the age of 18, Debbie and Scott began their love story. They were together for 52 years, married for 46.

In addition to her devoted husband, Debbie was the loving mother of and is survived by their five children Rick (Audra) Burwell; Jessica (Michael) Fuller; Tim (Melissa) Burwell; Mariah (Lee) Miller; and Ian Burwell; as well as 15 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that she loved as if they were her own. She also leaves behind three adoring sisters: Hazel Coburn, Lorna Fowler and Marshia Crook.

Debbie was a kind soul who loved fiercely and made friends everywhere she went. Her passing is a huge loss and is already felt greatly by those who knew and loved her.

She was buried at Vaughn Bay Cemetery Feb. 16 followed by a celebration of life held at the Longbranch Improvement Club.