DEBRA THEIS

Debra Lynne Theis was a caring wife, mother, sister, and friend. She passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 66, due to complications from cancer on February 12, 2025 . Deb was surrounded by her loved ones during her final days.

Deb was born on October 17, 1958 to Robert and Donna Smith at Kanabec Hospital in Mora. She grew up in Mora with her family and graduated from Mora High School in 1977. Throughout the years Deb worked at Fingerhut, owned and operated a daycare, cooked at Kanabec Hospital, worked at Mora Bakery, and did secretarial work at her and Kevin’s tax business. 

Deb had two daughters, Niki and Angie, with her first husband, Dick. She married her loving and devoted husband, Kevin, in 1998. Throughout the years Deb has enjoyed reading, cooking and baking, gardening, wildlife watching at home, time on the water boating and fishing, and spending time with loved ones. 

Deb is preceded in death by her father, Robert Smith; her brother, Keith Smith, and many other loved ones. 

Deb is survived by her husband Kevin Theis; daughters, Niki Rowland (Chris) and Angie Rowland; mother Donna Youngquist; mother-in-law Gloria Santillo; brothers, Kim Smith (Vicki) and Kenny Smith (Cathy); sister-in-law Lori Berg; many nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Geeva. 

A private service for immediate family will be held at a later date.

Family requests any donations to be made to the Mora Food Shelf in Deb’s honor.

Remember me with smiles and laughter  for that’s the way I’ll remember you all
If you can only remember me with tears then don’t remember me at all.

If roses grow in heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me;
Place them in my mother’s arms and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love and miss her, and when she turns to smile;
Place a kiss upon her cheek, and hold her for a while.
Because remembering her is easy,  I do it every day;
But there is an ache within  my heart, that will never go away.

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