Debra Kay Wendt

Debra Kay “Debbie” Wendt was born on February 8, 1952, in Denison, Iowa, to Fredrick Earl and Goldie Colleen (Nuzum) Martin. She grew up on a farm outside of Charter Oak and was one of seven children. Debbie attended school in Charter Oak.

She was first married to Thomas Robert Shumate, and three daughters were born to this union: Lisa, Melissa, and Amy. Debbie stayed at home with her girls while they lived in Woodbine, cherishing her role as a mother.

She later married Michael T. Sandbothe, and one son, Michael J. Sandbothe, was born to this union. Debbie then married Elton Hardy, and through this marriage, five stepchildren joined the family: Cindy, Joey, Kelly, Amy, and Alicia. Debbie enjoyed babysitting for family members, something that brought her great joy. Elton preceded her in death in 2008.

On October 18, 2016, Debbie was united in marriage to Robert Wendt in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple made their home in Charter Oak.

Debbie truly enjoyed music, especially Elvis, and loved watching western movies. She also enjoyed putting together puzzles, taking trips to the casino, and celebrating the holidays. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren. Her parents, siblings, and extended family were an important and treasured part of her life.

Debbie was a nurturing mother and homemaker who took pride in cooking, hosting, and caring for others. Being kind was central to who she was, and she often expressed that kindness through thoughtfully chosen cards, heartfelt words, and taking the time to reach out to others.

Debbie passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, having attained the age of 73 years, 11 months, and 13 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elton Hardy; daughter, Amy (Randy) Weber; grandson, Tyler Weber; brother, David Martin; brother-in-law, Michael Sears; and her beloved dog, Holly.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Wendt, of Charter Oak; her children: Lisa (Michael) Dieter of Denison, Melissa Holmes of Apex, North Carolina, and Michael (Sue) Sandbothe of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren: Brett Kimball of Harlan, Riley Meisel of Fort Worth, Texas, Emma Sandbothe of Kansas City, Missouri; great-grandchildren: Lilly Kimball, Hayden Kimball, and Ethan Kimball; and her siblings: Carolyn Boyce of Clarksville, Tennessee, Daniel (Pam) Martin of Denison, Marsha (Kenny) Marth of Ricketts, Judy Blunk of Kiron, and Rhonda Sears of Missouri Valley; nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Huebner Funeral Home in Charter Oak. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., also at Huebner Funeral Home in Charter Oak. Burial will be held in St. Paul Cemetery Hanover Township.