Debra Ann Kempfert

Debra Ann (Blosser) Kempfert 12/24/1954 – 09/10/2025 The family of Debra Ann (Blosser) Kempfert is incredibly sad to announce her passing on September 10, 2025. Poor health plagued Deb in recent years and she was tired. When chronic lung disease finally took its toll, Deb was told intubation was her only choice. She refused further treatment. If being trapped in an ailing body made her feel imprisoned, having the courage to decide how she would leave this world had set her free. Her decision gave the family time to gather; packing her ICU room with the sounds of grief: tears and laughter, memories of campfires on July 4th; her children singing at her bedside and the heavy doors of her hospital room opening and closing so each of us could have our time alone with Deb. These days were her final gift of love to herself and to her family. We will cherish them always. Deb was born on December 24, 1954 in Roseburg, Oregon. It was a mad dash for our parents from Lookingglass to Roseburg and she was nearly born in the back of our 1950 Studebaker that Christmas Eve. She joined brothers Gordon and Dennis and sisters Ila and Patricia. Christmas found little in the way of presents under the tree that year, but the new baby took away much of the sting. By the time Deb was in junior high, all her siblings had spread their wings and were either in college or married. It was a little lonely around the house, but she began to find a voice of her own….a lovely voice for singing. She taught herself to play the guitar and the family star was born. She started singing at family gatherings and finally garnered the courage to sing in public. She was a favorite at karaoke nights and weddings while bringing life to many boring parties. Her love and talent for music was instilled in all her children from the day they were born. A homemaker most of her life, she loved sewing and crafts and rarely met an animal she did not want to bring home. There were always dogs needing rescue, stray cats, and kittens, or that senior dog still waiting for someone to give it a place to live out their life. Even a pot belly big, a squirrel, a raccoon and a rabbit followed her around her house for a time. Deb is survived by her husband Ron, children Jim Adkisson, Sara Adkisson Esparza, son-in-law, Miguel, and Megan (Kempfert) Jensen, son-in-law, Josh. Granddaughters Taylor and Abby Esparza, grandsons Oliver and Wyatt Jenson and numerous nieces and nephews. Brother Dennis Batsch and sisters Ila Jean (Batsch) Gerlach and Pat (Blosser) Baker. She was preceded in death by her parents Gene and Nita Blosser, her brother Gordon Batsch, her brother-in-law Ray Gerlach, and her sister-in-law Carolyn Batsch. A celebration of life is planned for a later date. Donations to honor Deb’s memory can be made to a local animal shelter or the American Lung Association. You brought me sunshine on a cold, cloudy day. It’s been quite a while since I felt this way. The world has opened to me and now I see. I was trapped and afraid…..now I’m free. Alone I am stranded but together we fly. To the ends of the earth, a wonderful high. When you stand beside me it feels oh so right. You’re my sun in the morning, my stars at night. Written by Debbie for Ron

Tributes

Debra Ann Kempfert

December 24, 1954 - September 10, 2025