Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held, 6pm, Friday, April 18th at Rose City Cemetery & Funeral Home. Reception to follow gathering and a birthday celebration continues at The Wooden Chicken on 125th and N.E. Sandy for the adults.
Debbie passed away March 24th in Troutdale, surrounded by the presence and love of her friends. She was 59 years old.
Deborah Patricia Joni was born April 18, 1954 in Seward, Alaska to Harold and Jean Nona (Friede) Werner. Raised in Alaska she left in 1978 at the age of 24 for Portland. It was here that she met the love of her life Gary Tolen whom she married on June 16, 1984. They moved to Gresham and in 2006 moved to Maupin to be near the Deschutes, Gary’s favorite place to fish. Deborah worked in the Portland area and owned and operated her Housekeeping services, Thrifty Auto Supply and for Horizon Air.
Deborah is survived by her granddaughter; Melissa and her husband Rick Wyatt, two great grandsons: Lane and Laim Wyatt, brothers; Richard and Greg Giardina, niece; Tanya Geddes and nephew Shane Giardina. She is pre-deceased by her husband in 2011 and her son Daniel Ellis in 1998.
A Celebration of her life will also be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, April 26th at the Maupin High School, 669 4th street with a potluck reception following in the High school cafeteria, then a celebration will continue at the Rainbow Tavern.
To plant a tree in memory of Deborah Tolen as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
