Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Debra McEwan Obituary
In Loving Memory
Debra Renee McEwan
September 16, 1968 - January 25, 2023
VISITATION
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa
SERVICE
Thursday, February 2, 2023
10:30 A.M.
Bethany Lutheran Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
CLERGY
Rev. Peter Morlock
INURNMENT
Evergreen Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa
Debra Renee McEwan, daughter of Larry Dean and Alice Marie (Nutt) Edwards, was born September 16, 1968 in North Platte, Nebraska. When Debra was six, Alice later married Don McEwan. Debra received her education in Emmetsburg and during her senior year, Debra attended school in Austin, Minnesota. Following high school, she studied Journalism in college. As a child, she was a member of 4-H where she had a pony and raised many rabbits.
Debra was united in marriage to Tim Hawley and they were blessed with three children. Later, Debra was married to Doug Mutcher and two daughters joined their family.
Debra was employed as a journalist at the Hayfield newspaper. She wrote for various magazines and submitted poetry that was published. During her years in Hayfield, she also ran an in-home daycare. Debra returned to Iowa where she was employed at Alco and Subway in Emmetsburg and later managed the Sparky’s Convenience Store in Mallard.
Debra had a passion for raising her children and for her family life. Debra became very active in online Bible Study Groups where she grew in her faith and connected with people from all over the world. She once loved making candles, jewelry, and painting signs. She sold the beautiful items she made. Debra enjoyed gardening and couldn’t go a day without coffee. She had a collection of coffee mugs that were very special to her. She also liked taking photographs to keep her memories alive.
Debra passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa at the age of 54. She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice McEwan; her father Larry Edwards; and her brother Ron Edwards.
She is survived by her children, Alyssa Hawley of Kansas City, Missouri, Jon Hawley of Estherville, Iowa, Mike (fiancée, Samantha) Hawley of Colton, South Dakota, Skylar Mutchler of Wayne, Nebraska and Sierra Messinger of Wayne, Nebraska; sister, Teresa (Steve) Olson of Spencer, Iowa; brothers Dean Edwards of Fort Collins, Colorado, Joe (Stephanie Brown) McEwan of Emmetsburg, Iowa, and Logan (Tiffany) McEwan of Denver, Iowa; father, Don McEwan; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Paula Haire
February 7, 2023
Sis Deb was a loving sister in Christ and will be truly missed
Valerie Johnson
January 29, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathy.
Cristina Valentino
January 28, 2023
Deb, I thank the Lord for sharing even if for a brief moment your infectious laughter and smile. Thank you for your fellowship and kindness. I know you a dancing and rejoicing, whole and free of suffering in His eternal presence. My heart goes to your family are feeling the pain of your passing. May He wrap them all in His comfort, fill them with His peace, and use this time to draw them all closer together.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 NIV
Don's birthday party<br />
Lisa
January 28, 2023
Deepest condolences to the family. I met Deb while she was the manager at Sparkys. She was always kind and had a smile for everyone
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Darlene Hankey
January 28, 2023
Sorry for your loss of Deb..haven't seen her in a long time..
Tama DePaolo
January 28, 2023
We will miss you our dear sister in Christ. We know you are at rest with your eternal father, God.
Maureen Horsley
January 28, 2023
Hugs n sympathy to McEwan family. She was loved.
Andrea Gosnell
January 28, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person, a special friend, and sister in Christ. We will love you and miss you always. May God bless those whom she loved & help them in this sorrow, navigate you each through the grief, and cover you during this difficult time. She was so quick witted, had a great laugh, loved the Lord, and had a great testimony. She was kind, encouraging, and loved her children dearly, she would pray and check in on those she was close to, I will miss her. This isn't a good- bye, but till I see ya again, I'm so happy you're are walking where angels trod. They sang upon your entrance and you can rest easy in the Heavenlies now, much love
Deborah Mihaly
January 28, 2023
Your smile will be missed beautiful sister. God blessed me with knowing you. Happy that you are no longer suffering. I love you sister. Until we meet again.
Joanna Knuths
January 28, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with all Deb's family and friends at this difficult time
She was a very nice person
She will be missed by everyone who knew her
Tracy Bonay
January 27, 2023
Love you my sister. I thankful there is no more pain or suffering for you my sweet sister. We will be together again one day. I’m thankful that you knew Jesus and you are an inspiration to me.
September 30 th just two weeks after her 54th birthday. Online at our fellowship Friday. We all started sharing our animals in the zoom screen and I started taking photos.
Tracy Bonay
January 27, 2023
We love you sister Deb. We will miss you, but no, we will rejoice when we see you again in heaven. My heart is sad, and I am going to miss you. But to be absent from the body is to be present with the lord. You, my sweet sister are present with the lord.
Shelley Boitnott
January 27, 2023
My condolences to the entire McEwan family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
David Jacobsen
January 27, 2023
Very sorry for your lost
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
704 Grand Avenue, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Make a Donation
in Debra McEwan's name
How to support Debra's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Debra McEwan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
