Deborah Lynn Boyer

Deborah Lynn Boyer, affectionately known as Deb, Debbie, Aunt Debbie, Dabra, Nana, and most importantly, Mom, your mom, your nana, your wife. We lost Debbie on July 4, 2026, at the age of 65, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply, many traditions, generosity, and unconditional love expressed in her own unique way.

Debbie was born on February 17, 1961, at the Naval Hospital in Newport, Rhode Island, to Bill and Jeri Poe (Woolsey). As the daughter of a United States Navy serviceman, she spent much of her childhood traveling throughout the United States, living in places including Hawaii, California, and Virginia before her family eventually settled near Wellsville, Kansas after her father's retirement from the Navy. She graduated from Wellsville High School in 1979.

In April 1981, Debbie married Patrick Wesley Sloan, and together they welcomed two children, Nicole Marie Sloan (Nikki) and Wesley Howard Sloan(Bubba). Though that chapter of life came to an end, becoming a mother was one of the greatest joys of her life.

While working at the Ottawa Subway, Debbie met the man who would become her husband, James (Jim) Boyer. They were married in October 2002 and built a life with laughter, family gatherings, and love.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Bill Poe, and her sister, Brenda Joyce Kingsolver.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, James Boyer; her mother, Jeri Poe; her daughter, Nicole Marie Sloan; her son, Wesley Howard Sloan; her sister, Linda Ruth Rhoades and husband Craig; her brother, Bradley Thomas Poe and wife Erin; her grandchildren, Paige Marie Hazeltine and husband Joe, Ashlyn Ann Franklin, Hannah Alane Franklin, Landon Thomas Franklin, Jackson Wesley Sloan, and Boston Marie Sharp; along with seven nephews: Jesse Kingsolver and wife Lisa, Kolin Kingsolver, Aaron Rhoades, Adam Rhoades, Allan Rhoades, Corbin Poe, and Rory Poe, as well as many extended family members and friends.

Debbie found happiness in little things. She loved cooking meals for the people she loved, listening to her favorite music, especially with her beats headphones, crafting, and creating a home that felt welcoming. She wrapped presents more perfectly than anyone, always had candy dishes filled with treats, and never seemed to run out of Bath & Body Works candles or Wallflowers—usually because she had bought extras to share. Somehow, everything she cooked tasted better than when anyone else made the exact same recipe.

She created traditions that her family will cherish forever. Christmas Eve wasn't complete without her White Elephant gift exchange. Thanksgiving meant gathering, and the Fourth of July always brought family together. Those celebrations weren't just holidays—they became memories because of her.

Debbie wasn't always someone who said "I love you" with words. Instead, she showed it in countless ways. Her love language was giving. She remembered birthdays, found thoughtful gifts, made sure everyone had enough to eat, and quietly took care of the people she loved. Looking back, those small acts said more than words ever could.

She had a laugh that could leave her in tears, a unique sense of humor, and a stubborn streak that everyone who knew her would smile about. She took a little while to warm up to people, but once she let you into her life, you became family. And if you happened to make her mad... there was never any doubt about it.

Her bond with her son, Wesley, was one everyone recognized. They could spend hours drinking coffee, talking about life, teasing each other, solving all the world's problems, and occasionally driving each other crazy. Their friendship was as strong as their love.

For her daughter, Nicole, home will forever be the feeling of sitting on her mom's couch while Debbie sat nearby in her chair. She'll miss the music videos they constantly shared, the unexpected phone calls, the laughter, and all the ordinary moments that have now become priceless memories.

Debbie leaves behind a family forever changed by her loss but forever grateful for the life she lived. The traditions she started, the love she quietly gave, and the memories she created will continue through her children, grandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

To leave message of condolence for Debbie's family or to share a memory of her, please see the guestbook below.