In Loving Memory of Debra Carol Kalas
December 19, 1956 – August 25, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Debra Carol Kalas, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest gift was the love she gave so freely to everyone around her.

Debra was the kind of person who never needed a reason to open her heart—or her door. Anyone who needed a place to stay, a listening ear, a helping hand, or simply someone to care was welcomed into her home and into her life. She had a beautiful way of making people feel safe, accepted, and loved. Her door was always open, and her heart was even more so.

Debra spent the final years of her life living alongside her beloved sister, Diana Zavala. Together, they shared a home filled with peace, companionship, laughter and love. Those years brought Debra happiness and comfort, surrounded by someone who knew her deeply and loved her unconditionally. It was a peaceful and happy chapter of her life, and one that her family will always cherish.

Debra passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 25, 2026. Though saying goodbye is never easy, there is comfort in knowing that her final moments were peaceful and that she left this world gently.

Above all, Debra treasured her family. She was a loving daughter, a devoted mother, a caring grandmother, and a wonderful great-grandmother. She leaves behind her daughters, Katherine and Heather Kalas; her grandchildren, Kaylee Sims, Ava Kalas, Kingston Kalas, Marcos Kalas, Mayo Kalas, Edward Ortega, Nevaeh Ortega, and Kalliope Kalas; and her great-grandchildren, Aizen Cafuetes and Astrea Egy.She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Robert Hinkle, Daniel Hinkle, Diana Zavala, Terry Holub, and Rick Hinkle. The bond she shared with her family was one of the greatest parts of her life, and each of them will carry a piece of her love and memory with them.

Debra was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Marvin and Shirley Hinkle, and her sister, Christina Hinkle.

Debra’s kindness, generosity, and unconditional love touched countless lives. She believed in making room for others, offering comfort without judgment, and loving people exactly as they were. Her legacy is found not only in her family, but in every person who was welcomed through her door and made to feel like family.

Though she is deeply missed, Debra’s love will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Rest peacefully, Debra. May you be reunited with those who went before you, and may the love you gave so freely live on forever in all of us.

Memorial Service

Memorial services celebrating the life and memory of Debra Carol Kalas will be held on September 20, 2026.

2283 Crest Drive
Fortuna, CA 95540

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather together to celebrate Debra’s life, honor her memory, share stories, and remember the love, kindness and happiness she brought into the lives of so many.

###

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