On May 17, 1958 a baby girl was born at Kennewick General Hospital. Her name was Debra Ann Carlson, the daughter of John and Margie Carlson. Debra (Debbie) grew up with her older sister, Susan Carlson, and attended schools in Kennewick throughout her young years. Debbie had tomboy-ish tendencies and would often be found playing stickball with the neighbor boys.

It was during her eighth-grade year at Highlands Middle School (Go Scotties!) where she met the love of her life and her future husband. At that time, they paired-up to complete a science project together – which earned them an A grade. Later, Debbie attended Kamiakin High School and graduated in 1976. While there, she earned varsity letters in Cross Country and Tennis. She started dating the boy she met in eighth grade and they became engaged during their senior year in high school. Debbie married Steven Smith on Christmas Eve, 1977 and started a nearly 46-year journey as his wife and forever partner.

After graduating from high school Debbie completed training in cosmetology and worked at many different styling salons in Kennewick, Pullman, and Benton City. Although the Tri-Cities was home, she moved to Pullman, WA for two years to support her husband in his studies at Washington State University. Also, during the two years living in Pullman, Debbie pursued an interest in horticulture by completing classes on the WSU campus. Upon returning to the Tri-Cities following her husband’s completion of studies and after completing several horticulture classes, she accepted a position at the WSU Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser where she worked as a research technician in the bean genetics program.

Then, in 1984, Debbie became a mother for the first time – to Erin Ciara Smith. At that time, she became a proud stay-at-home mother. A second daughter was born – Brittan Alyssa Smith. Then, a third daughter – Kelsey Marcelle Smith. She loved being a stay-at-home mother, which allowed her to devote all her time to being a fully engaged mother. After the children were in school, Debbie finished her Associate Arts degree at Columbia Basin College in 1997 while earning an impressive grade point average. She wanted to complete the degree to be a good example to her young daughters. Debbie became a cook for the Kennewick School district where she enjoyed working with young people – who, in turn, enjoyed working with her.

Late in her adult life Debbie began to develop her spiritual being – her so-called third eye, where she explored the metaphysical and non-traditional beliefs. She shared this interest with her daughters and friends. She was regularly visited by her angels and obtained strength, inspiration and courage from them. During this time, she developed a deep spiritual connection with her then-deceased maternal grandmother, Millie.

She enjoyed hosting youth soccer coaches from the UK who would stay at her house for several weeks at a time during several summers, developing enduring friendships with them. The outdoors was also a big part of her life where she enjoyed fishing, hiking and camping with many close friends. Also, she was very proud of the two houses that she built with her husband, acting as owner-builders, with very fine results. But perhaps her proudest moments in life were watching her three daughters become strong, independent women.

Debbie was called into heaven by her angels on December 7, 2023 following a short battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her mother, Margie Rose Carlson (Duden). She is survived by her father John Carlson; sister Susan Arey; three daughters Erin Bush, Brittan Ornstein and Kelsey Gomez; ten grandchildren and her husband Steven Smith.

Her approach to life was exemplified by a phrase from one of her favorite songs, sung by Leann Womack; “When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, dance. I hope you dance.”

In lieu of flowers, Debbie would appreciate donations to be made in her name to Mikey’s Chance pet rescue, PO Box 4535, West Richland, WA, 99353. Thank you.