Debra Lynn LaPietra

Debra Lynn LaPietra, 62, of Ames, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Israel Family Hospice House, surrounded by loved ones, on November 16.
Debbie was born in Troy, New York in 1963 to Donald Albro Ellett and M. Diane Ellett (nee Bailey), and was the youngest of four children. She graduated from Cohoes High School in 1981 and then attended nursing school in Albany, New York.
In 1982, Debbie met her future husband Mike, and they chased each other around for two years before marrying on Easter Sunday in 1984. After they caught each other, they stayed together for 41 years and never let go.
Throughout her career, Debbie worked in nursing homes, maternity wards, and in home health care, in New York State, North Carolina, Wisconsin, California, and Iowa. Upon relocating to Ames, Iowa, Deb decided she would never move her family again, and never did.
Debbie was extremely creative, and loved porcelain doll making, quilting, cake decorating and crafting/decorating. Her children always sported elaborate home made Halloween costumes. Christmas decorating held a special appeal for Debbie and every room in her home would be transformed at this time of the year. Debbie possessed a sharp wit and never lacked for a sharp rejoinder.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Diane, and is survived by her heartbroken family, husband Michael and five children, Michael, William (Anne), Cassie Wilbanks (Adam), Donny, Ron, and grandson, Miles.
A celebration of life is planned for Saturday November 29, 2025 from 4-6pm at Homewood Golf Clubhouse in Ames.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.