Debra Ann Atwood

Debra Ann Atwood, age 70 of Osawatomie, KS, died Saturday January 27, 2024 in Vassar, KS.

Debi was born April 12, 1953 in Chanute, KS. She was the second of five children born to Charles LeRoy and Ima Jean (Nelson) Doudna. She grew up in Chanute and graduated from Chanute High School with the class of 1971.

On March 4, 1972, Debi and John Atwood were united in marriage in Vilas, KS. To this union came three children; Dawn, Angie, and John.

Debi was a stay at home mom until she started working for the Miami County Health Department. In 1993, John and Debi purchased the Cow Palace in Osawatomie. For nearly 30 years they ran their business until retiring in 2022.

In her younger years, Debi was a lifeguard and ran the local swimming pool. She was a semi pro bowler, played softball and tennis. She also played the piano and had a beautiful singing voice. Debi was the best mom, being room mom, Girl Scout leader, video camera mom for every event from choir to cheer to volleyball to baseball. She followed her kids to sporting events all the way across the country. She loved her kids. In her spare time, Debi loved to garden. She planted vegetables and many, many flowers. Debi also loved to cook and was one amazing “Swedish chef!” Her Swedish pancakes were legendary. In the summer, Debi and John loved to camp and go boating. She was quite the water skier! Debi loved being in the sun and swimming. Her favorite place in the world was the beach. She loved all holidays, but especially Halloween. She was a huge fan of the  Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. Debi was a past active member of the VFW Auxiliary. Debi didn’t know a stranger and made you feel welcome anytime you went into “the shop.”

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband of 51 years, John, children; Dawn (Doug) Stecklein of Olathe, KS, Angie (Willie) Snyder of Pearidge, AR and John (Heather) Atwood of Vassar, KS, eight grandchildren; Reece, Avery, Aidan, Charlea, Landon, Kaden, Kerestin, and Breckyn and two great grandchildren Kaidyn and Huxton and baby Kairo on the way. Debi is also survived by her siblings; Chuck Doudna, Rhonda Peck, Sandy Alonzo and Lana Laver.