Debra Diane Wheat passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 75. Her life was marked by devotion—to her family, her community, and to a long career in nursing and service.

Born on August 2, 1949, in Winfield, Kansas, Debra was the daughter of Ray and Noreen Hawkins. She was raised in the heart of the quiet, close-knit rural town of Cedar Vale, Kansas, where values of kindness, hard work, and family were instilled early on. She grew up alongside her loving siblings: Gerald, Howard (Jane) Hawkins, Phyllis (Rick) Hollister, and Doyle (Georgina) Hawkins.

After many years working in family-owned businesses, Debra felt a deeper calling and began her nursing career in 1989. She served as a registered nurse at the Augusta Medical Complex and St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita before joining Prison Health Services at the El Dorado Correctional Facility. There, she rose to the role of Health Services Administrator in 1994.

Ever the lifelong learner, she began pursuing a degree in Business Management from Southwestern College in 2000. Debra's nursing work was always mission-driven. She held a special dedication to HIV counseling and hospice care, particularly within the correctional system where she treated every patient with dignity and compassion.

After retiring from corrections, Debra returned to serve, working as a nurse administrator at the Cedar Vale Community Hospital, and later in occupational nursing at Frontier (Sinclair) Refinery in El Dorado. She remained active in nursing and medical administration until 2024. Her heart never left the work and neither did her sharp wit, sense of humor, or unshakable calm in a crisis. She loved her fellow nurses and doctors deeply.

Debra is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, David Wheat, of the home. She was the proud mother and matriarch of a large, blended, and deeply loving family.

She is survived by her children: Philip Merz; Brian Merz (Dawn Craduck); and Rebecca Merz. She was also a loving Mother to Daniel Parks and Michelle Parks Herrman. Her grandchildren include Ashley, Lacey, Sasha, and Austin (Philip); Stewart and Luke (Rebecca); and Ethan, Hayleigh, and Aadyn Tong (Brian and Dawn). Debra also cherished and raised her great-granddaughter, Martinique Merz.

Through her marriage to David, her family grew to include three daughters and their families: Carey Ann and James Lee; Shannon and John Whiteker; and Michelle and James Emmitt. Her extended grandchildren included Jordan, Caelei, and Tanner (Carey Ann); Shay, Logan, and Cord (Shannon); and Emily, Abby, and Jaime (Michelle). Debra also leaves behind ten other great-grandchildren, and countless bonus grandchildren and loved ones who were blessed to call her Granny.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Lance Merz; and step-son, Terry Parks.

Debra's faith was broad and deeply personal. She attended churches of many Christian denominations over her life, drawing wisdom and comfort from each, and weaving together a spiritual life that guided her in all she did.

Outside of work and family, Debra lived fully and joyfully. She was an avid traveler, a frequent supporter at her grandkids' sporting events, and an enthusiastic visitor to her favorite casinos. Her skill as a quilter was unmatched, she created hundreds of handmade blankets for family, friends, and charities, each one a labor of love. She cared deeply for animals, lovingly mothering many dogs throughout her life and tending to dozens of feral cats with a tender heart. She also nurtured dozens of houseplants, many over 50 years old, in a light-filled home specially designed and built by Dave.

A diehard Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan, Debra never missed a game and preferred not to be interrupted while cheering on her team. But otherwise, her door and her table were always open. She was generous with her time, her humor, her wisdom, and her kindness. Her presence was a gift.

Debra was taken from us far too soon, and she will be deeply and sorely missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life is planned at a later date, with details to follow.