Debbie quietly passed from this life on the morning of November 12, 2022 at the age of 70, at her home in Eureka.

She was born February 11, 1952 to Kenneth Eugene and Naomi Ruth Klingel in Tillamook, Oregon. Debbie graduated from Eureka High School Class of 1970, where she was the school athlete, goof-off and partier. She attended College of the Redwoods (sports program) for a short time and then moved to the Santa Rosa area for the next 10 years where alcoholism gained a strong hold on her. She then moved to Lincoln City, Oregon and ultimately attended Alcoholics Anonymous. She remained active in AA, where she sponsored/encouraged many people towards a life of sobriety. In 2008 she moved “back home” to live in Eureka.

Debbie accepted the Lord into her life at the age of 48, and with her relationship with Jesus she continued her journey to sobriety for the remainder of her life. She attained 23 years of sobriety and her family was very proud of her accomplishment.

She worked various jobs throughout her life, trying to find her niche. Landscaping was the most enjoyable. However, her longing to write children’s books was her true desire. With the writing and publishing of her first book, “The Jelly Bean Green Thing” she finally felt success in her life and this gave her a true sense of purpose.

Debbie was preceded in death by her mother, Naomi Ruth (Klingel) Aldrich, grandparents Ebley and Velma Carpenter, Theodore Klingel and Aslee McGuire.

She leaves behind her father, Kenneth Klingel, sister Janice (John) Scheffler, brother Jeffrey Klingel; Nieces, Marney (Ken) Tyler and Casi (Joshua) Crites; Nephews, Randy Scheffler and Kenneth (Chase) Scheffler; great-niece Brooklynn Scheffler; great-nephews Bryce, Benjamin and Parker Crites; Uncle Deon (Glenda) McGuire, Aunt Brenda (Roger) Rice and several cousins.

She dearly loved her family, friends and pets. Although we have loved and are experiencing the loss, she would surely remind us:

Don’t cry because I’m gone … but smile because I lived!

Debbie was cremated and her ashes will be scattered in the redwoods, where she always found solace and peace.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Debbie Klingel’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.