Debra Waetje

Debra Lynn Waetje (August 27, 1954 – January 31, 2021)

Debra Lynn Waetje passed away at the age of 66 on Sunday January 31, 2021, in Phoenix, Arizona. She is survived by her two children Rebecca Lois Fly and Gregory Patrick Fly; her mother Carmen Ptacnik Waetje; and several other relatives and dear friends. Debra was born in Kingman, Arizona, raised in Phoenix, Arizona where she graduated from Alhambra High School and later received her Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University, and ultimately received her Master’s Degree from Northern Arizona University.

Debra spent many childhood summers in Kingman and Mormon Lake, Arizona with her parents and grandparents (Viola and Walter Waetje). Debra’s sense of adventure stayed with her throughout adulthood with grand summer road trips across the western US and vacations to Europe, but she always maintained roots in the Phoenix area and at the family cabin in Mormon Lake, Arizona.

Debra’s constant focus and eternal commitment was to her two children by always being involved in their lives and supporting their dreams. Two of her proudest moments were when both of her children graduated from the College of Engineering from Arizona State University. Debra maintained a household, worked a full-time job and was a full-time college student to be able to provide for her children. Debra was the culinary arts teacher at Chandler High School for many years, including some years as the women’s golf coach. Her goal was to provide her students lifelong skills that they could use every day. Debra was the ultimate nurturer, giving everything she had until the day she passed.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, February 28, 2021. The family is asking that in lieu for flowers, contributions be made in Debra’s memory to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America www.adaa.org