With bittersweet emotion we announce the passing of our beloved Debbie; cherished wife, mother, and grandmother. The Lord mercifully welcomed her into His kingdom on September 16, 2023 after a 14-year journey with Alzheimer's Disease. She was 71-years-old.

Born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin on September 9, 1952, Debbie was the oldest of seven children. Moving often as a child, she attended Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic School in Flagstaff before moving to Brawley California where she graduated from Brawley Union High School in 1970.

After high school her family moved back to Flagstaff where Debbie attended Northern Arizona University and earned her bachelor's degree in paralegal studies. During her time at NAU she met the love of her life, Bobby. They were both attending classes and working at Food Town grocery store, she as a cashier, he as a butcher's apprentice. The two were married in November, 1973. Together they welcomed two daughters and built a life in the city they loved almost as much as each other.

A life-long learner, Debbie continued her education and earned her teaching certificate, master's degree and principal's qualifications from NAU. She was just shy of earning her PhD. Debbie taught in the Flagstaff Unified School District for 22 years, most of that time spent in history education at Mount Elden Middle School. A passionate supporter of educators, over the course of her career Debbie served as President of the Flagstaff Education Association, the Career Ladder committee and many other advocacy groups and boards.

Debbie loved the outdoors and would find her greatest memories made during camping trips with her family. Debbie was an avid reader who devoured books of all genres but was especially drawn to those written about the Kennedy dynasty, political history and world leaders.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bobby, daughter Heidi, grandchildren Madison, Ryan and Jason Cullum, sister-in-law Lorraine Goitia, as well as several siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her daughter Hillary Goitia and her father, Gerald Flood. The chains of Alzheimer's are no longer holding our sweet Debbie in an unending abyss; she is now free from disease, safely in the arms of Jesus and very likely having a glass of wine with Hillary.

The family would like to thank the incredible, compassionate staff at Brookdale North Glendale and Lumicare Hospice who cared for Debbie so lovingly these last seven years and in her final moments.

Debbie's life will be celebrated Friday, October 6, 2023 at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church in Flagstaff. Praying of the rosary will begin at 9:45am, the eulogy will be read at 10:15am and a mass of remembrance at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Debbie's honor be sent to the NAU Advancement Foundation at foundationnau.org. College of Education Fund #4055