Deborah B. Ringman

1953 - 2024

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing, of a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, into the presence of Jesus our savior and Lord, after a two and a half year challenge with pancreatic cancer. Debbie was visited by family and friends who came to her side in her final days. Husband Don and daughter Jody were present when she took her last breath this side of Glory. Born to William and Joyce Deahn, August 26th, 1953, Debbie grew up with her sisters Gloria and Sandy in the Delta Neighborhood of Everett. She attended Hawthorn Elementary, North Junior High School (original bldg.), and graduated Everett High School 1971. Debbie graciously said with a smile, "Yes, I married my long-time high school sweetheart Don". They raised two daughters, Kimberly and Jody, and fostered a third daughter, Jennifer. Debbie and Don celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on April 28, 2024. The love and dedication to each other throughout their lives together is evident everywhere, in their family and their home. Debbie spent many years involved in the Everett Public Schools serving in the PTA and received the Golden Acorn Award multiple times. She enjoyed a long career with the Everett School District beginning as a Crossing Guard, then Supervisor in the lunchroom and on the playground. Towards the end of her career she joined the Transportation Department, providing out of district transportation to displaced children experiencing homelessness. The program enabled children to continue attending school with their friends while in temporary living situations. She also worked part time at the North Everett Boys and Girls Club. During Kimberly and Jody's teen years Debbie discovered a problem with indoor air at school buildings affecting children's health. She spent many hours researching and bringing it to the attention of the district, the public, and finally to Olympia law makers which led to sweeping changes to indoor air standard across Washington State. In 1989 the bill was signed by Governor Booth Gardner. Debbie was baptized at Delta Community Baptist Church as a child and attended many years. Debbie loved working with all the girls at Sunday school and mid-week girls club. She helped with Jericho Junction and Delta Depot programs. She especially enjoyed Sunday evenings with the Marshallese children and moms, helping support them in many ways. Debbie also played an important role in the Delta Building Project as the Capital Campaign Chairperson. Debbie had a unique talent of seeing beauty in creation, hearts and the potential of people.

In her free time, she loved gardening, shopping at vintage and thrift stores. She found many treasures over the years and enjoyed the hunt. She spent many hours on Puget Sound helping Don net fish, she said she was "really good at it". Her favorite thing of all was talking about God, who made everything possible. Pastor Chris from a Georgia online bible study group Debbie attended said that Debbie possessed a " Spirit filled heart". Debbie was dedicated to a home mission, enjoying heart-to-heart talks that pushed a person forward, AKA "Debbie speeches". She brought a special perspective to Don's ministry that he looked forward to daily. Debbie leaves behind a loving husband Don G. Ringman, daughter Kimberly Rashid, her husband Jibril, daughter Jody Gee, foster daughter Jennifer Hammer, her husband John, sister Gloria Harrold, her husband Bob, sister Sandy Claflin, as well as 13 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friendships. Debbie's favorite number was 3, because Jesus rose from the grave on the "Third Day" fulfilling scripture and bringing hope to the world. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her beautiful smile, heart and character that reflected Jesus. In a final heartfelt gift, Debbie was accepted into a cancer trial at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle using what time she had left to benefit others. This did not surprise anyone because she always wanted to help where it was needed.

A celebration of life service will be held Friday, August 9th 1-3pm, at Swans Trail Farms 7301 Rivershore Road, Snohomish, WA. 98290. A private family graveside service will be Monday August 12th.

Don and family would like to thank all the professionals at Providence Medical Center Everett and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Seattle for all the compassionate care Debbie received. Thank you to everyone for all the thoughts and prayers through it all.

The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18. Don is missing his helper.

Donations can be made in Debbie's honor to your favorite charity or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA.