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The family of Deborah Hottinger of Morrison, Colorado, is sad to announce her passing on February 20, 2026, in Lakewood, Colorado. She was born on May 20, 1949, in Cook County, Illinois, but spent most of her life rooted in the Colorado mountains.Debbie moved from Chicago, Illinois to Golden, Colorado with her family in 1958. An accomplished and energetic young woman, Debbie swam competitively, played catcher in local youth softball leagues, skied regularly with her family, and played the accordion.She attended St. James Lutheran School through eighth grade, continued at Golden Junior High, and graduated with honors from Golden High School in 1967. As a senior, she served as Pep Club president and was a member of the Centennial Singers in both her junior and senior years. She went on to attend the University of Colorado Boulder, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.In November 1969, Debbie married Kenneth (Kenny) William Hottinger Jr., and they created a rich life together. Debbie and Kenny raised their daughter, Gabriel, and built two homes, one in Hilldale Pines and later another in Morrison. Debbie was widowed in 1990 and met the years ahead with independence, dedicating herself to her work and the many causes she supported.Professionally, Debbie brought intelligence, grit, and determination to every role she held. She started as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Golden Recreation Center, worked as a pharmacist assistant at Foss Drug Store, taught preschool at the Opening Living School, and ultimately dedicated decades of her career to the Heritage Square Alpine Action Park. Working there from its opening in 1978 until its closing in 2015, she served many years as the general manager. In time, Debbie found companionship with her life partner, Margaret Warren. Together they shared a profound love for animals, worked side by side at the alpine slide, followed sports, politics, and current events, and traveled—taking trips to Hawaii, Japan, and several cruises.Debbie had a lifelong love for animals of every kind. Over the years she kept dogs, cats, goats, ferrets, sheep, horses, and a tortoise. She believed deeply in protecting all living creatures. Her favorite book series and television show was All Creatures Great and Small, which perfectly reflected her compassion for animals. She championed numerous causes throughout her life, supporting organizations that aided animals, American Indian reservations, political initiatives, women and children in crisis, and food banks.Debbie believed in protecting the vulnerable, working hard, and finding joy in nature. Her strength, generous heart, and laughter will be profoundly missed but forever remembered by those who knew her. She cherished her close friendship with her neighbors, the McMullen family, who were like family to her.Debbie is survived by her daughter, Gabriel Hottinger; her siblings Paul (Marti) Bleidt, Claudia (Ransom) Fitch, Peter (Gail) Bleidt, Beth (Walter) Graf, and Kathy Bohks; sisters-in-law Kimmur (David) Turner and Deb Morgan; sister by choice Kim Kirby; fourteen nieces and nephews; and twenty great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenny; life partner Margaret; mother Beverly; father Richard; and two nephews.A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2:00 pm. At the Governor’s Ranch Clubhouse, 9050 W. Prentice Ave, Littleton, Co 80123.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any charity of your choice, in honor of Debbie’s lifelong spirit of giving.

Deborah L. Hottinger

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