Debra Gilbert WILDE

Debra Gilbert Wilde passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the age of 73, in her hometown of Spokane Valley, surrounded by family and dear friends.

Debra was a much loved and admired TV news anchor at KHQ and KXLY for more than 25 years. She enjoyed telling stories, sharing her passion for people, and making a difference. Her work at Q6 was the highlight of her career. She was honored to receive many awards and proud to bring unique stories to the Spokane audience having even reported from places as far away as Ethiopia and Romania. Closer to home, one of her favorite events was the annual "Q6 Summer Fun" tour. Debra and her co-anchor, Randy Shaw, travelled throughout the Inland Northwest telling stories from every county fair. Debra most enjoyed meeting viewers, all the horses and riders, and getting her boots dusty and throwing a leg over a saddle whenever she got the chance. Former KHQ News and Sports anchor Dan Kleckner reflected on how Debra brought so much fun and laughter to the newsroom and said this is "a big loss for the KHQ family."

Debra was more than a news anchor; she was a legend in Spokane. Her presence on screen brought a sense of trust, reliability and joy to the community. Former KHQ General Manager Jack Reber credits Debra for helping take Q6 from 2nd to 1st place in the day and 'took stodgy newscasting to a refreshing new level in Spokane". Her commitment to the city was unwavering, and her efforts helped shape Spokane into the vibrant community it is today.

After a successful news career at KHQ, Debra transitioned to a newly created show, "Debra Wilde's Circle of Friends." The daily talk show highlighted Debra's unique ability to connect with people and places in the Spokane region. Later in her broadcasting career, she worked as an anchor and reporter at KXLY-TV and radio.

In addition to her illustrious TV career, Debra was a professional magician, talented photographer, frustrated golfer, advocate for children, and worked as a real estate agent.

Debra graduated from University High School, where she was active in student government, socializing and cheerleading. She grew up around animals and loved horseback riding. In the 1960s, Debra was an accomplished Gymkhana equestrian. She won many events and was recognized as one of the best female barrel racers in the country. Debra's fearless approach to the sport was representative of how she lived her life. She was quick to take on new challenges, loved meeting new people, and always strived to make everyone feel important, loved, and special.

Debra's favorite role was being the loving and proud mother of Elliot Wilde of Dubai, UAE, Samuel Schuster (Kathryn), and Maxwell Schuster (Jenna Kenyon) of Liberty Lake.

She was born to Bonnie and Roy Gilbert on December 24, 1950, and grew up alongside her sister, Kim Gilbert Golden (Stephen Peters) and brother, Brad Gilbert. She also was close to her stepsiblings, Chris Roundtree (Jack) and Jim Lewis (Cheryl). Her parents, dear stepmother, Ann Gilbert, and her brother preceded her in death.

Debra adored her grandchildren, Charlotte and Henrik Schuster, Max and Arlo Kenyon, and nieces and nephews Leigh Golden-Rothbart, Cooper Golden, Bailey Gilbert Serica, and Caden Gilbert.

The family wishes to thank the staffs at Brighton Court and Fields Senior Living for their kindness and care. Diane Downey and Julie Daniels are more than caregivers; they are family, as they treated Debra like a sister.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Joya Child & Family Development at www.joya.org. Joya (formerly Guild School) is one of the many local organizations that Debra lent her talent and energy to over the years.

Debra was the life of the party and always enjoyed having a great time with family and friends. A celebration of life is being planned in early August.