Deborah Lee Hilsabeck-Simms

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Deborah Lee Hilsabeck-Simms, age 71 on 5 February 2026 at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia WA. Her death was due to complications as a result of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She was born in Waukegan Illinois on 16 April 1954. Her parents were Alice M Hill and Richard L Hilsabeck. Debbie lived at 4316 Chambers Lake Dr SE, Lacey WA from September 2024 until her death. She was a US Military dependent/spouse most of her life and often asked if this was her last move. She had previously lived in Camp Lejeune NC, Madrid IA, East St. Louis IL, Fallbrook CA, Pomona CA, Edwards AFB CA, Dale City VA, Wright-Patterson AFB OH, North Charleston SC, Antelope and San Pedro CA, Enfield CT, and Santa Cruz CA.

Debbie graduated from Fallbrook High School in 1972 and attended Palomar Community College in 1973-4. From the Spring of 1975 to 1979, she attended California State Polytechnic University (CSPU) in Pomona CA. However, it was through the Church Pathway Program and Brigham Young University Idaho (BYU-I) Debbie completed a Bachelor's Degree in Professional Studies, and an Associates Degree in Family History in 2022. In fact, she completed much of her education on-line during the COVID Pandemic.

Debbie met Dave Simms at CSPU when she first arrived and married the love of her life at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple in Oakland CA on 19 March 1976, and embarking on a journey of Military moves and compassion. Debbie spent most of her life with her best friend, Dave, and raising children together, and loving her family including grandchildren. She also taught Church Seminary, led the local Choir, and served as a Family History Center Co-Director for five years allowing her to connect with her roots, relate it to DNA results, and share her passion with others. In her later years she attended the local Church Temple regularly doing proxy work for her ancestors. She also enjoyed sharing adventures with her sweetheart such as spending every birthday in Sedona AZ and visiting her Aunts and cousins in Wisconsin.

Debbie loved to do counted cross stitch, canning, and drying fruit. She also read her whole life and shared that passion with her family. As a teenager in the Madrid IA library, she developed an insatiable appetite for reading all of Earl Stanley Gardener's books which became Perry Mason TV series. She instilled reading with her children early on by taking them to the library and volunteering as an Assistant Librarian. She also loved the Harry Potter books and movies.

She was actively involved with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She also was a member of the BYU-I Alumni Association, Wisconsin History Society, and many Genealogy organizations.

As we remember Debbie Simms, we honor her unrelenting drive and courage, love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and enduring love for family and friends. She is survived by her spouse, Dave, daughters: Danielle Simms, Dusty Telford and Dana Simms, and son: Douglas Simms, seven grandchildren, a sister Linda Preuschoff and brother Scott Hilsabeck. Her daughter Drew, and parents Alice and Richard Hilsabeck preceded her in passing.

A funeral service for Debbie will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ at 1602 Ruddell Road in Lacey WA on Wednesday 11 February at 11am. If you would like to make a donation, the ALS Association can be reached at www.als.org