Debra VandenBoom

Debra Whitaker VandenBoom passed away peacefully in her home on September 6th, 2025. Debe was born in Havre, Montana June 15th, 1957 to George Whitaker and Lillie Purkett. Debe was the youngest of 5 siblings.

Debe was a kind and generous woman. She loved with all her heart and often went out of her way to be there for those she loved. Debe was married twice. Her first husband Clint Estell and Debe brought 4 children into the world Lloyd, Rachel, Dodge, and Crystal. On June 15th, 1998 she married the love of her life, Ronald Vandenboom, gaining a step-daughter Victoria VandenBoom.

Debe and Ron loved each other deeply and modeled a good marriage to all of their children and grandkids. She was a force to be reckoned with, she knew she could and would do anything to help her family and be there for them, this alone made her the strongest and kindest person possible!

Some of her biggest accomplishments were her bachelors degree in science and liberal arts at her graduation in 2000, her journey of 30 plus years of sobriety, raising her 3 grandkids, helping out her other grandchildren to have a fun and safe space to go to, owning her own restaurant and teacher her kids strong work ethic, managing several other restaurants and her job at probation and parole in Havre that she loved. She was a fantastic cook and according to her kids and grandkids she made the best "pank-panks" and omelets around! Our family motto was "we must eat". She loved to get together and play yatzee, bingo and keno. Her love for Chrismas was extra large, she taught her kids how important Christmas was to come together and share a meal and have good old fashion fun! It did not matter if there was 2 people in the house or 50, or if we celebrated on December 25th or November! Christmas celebration was a time to go all out! Debe had a love for alot of things but she favored her dogs the most, it started with a rescue simply named Big Dog, and later came Pepper, Macy, Abby, Roxie, and Gracie. She gave them unconditional love and expensive dog treats daily!

After the death of her youngest daughter Crystal, Debe swooped in like an eagle and adopted all 3 of her grandchildren, raising two of them to adulthood. After the death of her husband 4 months ago, she had to make the desicion to move the youngest, Salem, to Wyoming to be raised by her son, Lloyd. She knew with her failing health that Salem would have a better future in Wyoming. A Desicion that came from love all while being broken hearted. Debe was selfless in this choice and her family is so proud of her! She was brave in so many different ways and taught all of us to be strong in everything we do.

Debe left behind her brother Daniel Whitaker of Havre, Dwayne Whitaker (Kelly Whitaker) of Cambridge, IA. and her sister Barbara Jones of Havre. (All claim to be Debe's favorite). Her children Lloyd Estell (Erica Estell) of Gillette, Wy. and Rachel Watson (Dale Watson) of Conrad, Mt. Her grandchildren Ayla, Chandra, Ashton, Avery, Madison, Mason, Alissa, Drake, Whisper, Drayden, LillieAnn, Paige, Salem and two great grandsons Dristyn and Atticus.

Debe was proceeded in death by both her parents George and Lillie (Tootie), her brother David Whitaker (Crocky), her daughter Crystal Estell, her son Dodge Abraham Estell, and her husband Ronald VandenBoom.

A celebration of life will be held at Set Free Ministries 740 2nd street in Havre Saturday, September 13th, 2025 at 1pm.

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