Debra Ann "Debbie" Olson, age 63, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Opportunity Living North House in Rockwell City, Iowa.

Debbie was born October 24, 1960, in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Harold and Virginia (Leech) Olson. She was loved and cared for at home with her family until age 16.

At a young age, Debbie was involved in a therapy program that included over 90 volunteers from her church, family and friends, to help her with mobility and daily activities.

In 1976, Debbie moved to Woodward State School and Hospital near Woodward, Iowa. In 1989, she moved to Opportunity Living in Lake City, Iowa, where she lived for 30 years. Then in 2019, she settled into North House in Rockwell City where she lived until her death. She loved family visits, her mother's homemade rhubarb sauce, and being around water, specifically a whirlpool and the Op-living hot tub.

Debbie's bright eyes and big personality were always a favorite of the staff, and in different ways made a lasting impression on many. She inspired several people over her lifetime to pursue a career dedicated to caring for others, including her two sisters.

Her family feels fortunate for the amount of time they were given with Debbie and finds comfort knowing her body has been healed of earthly burdens, and was welcomed into heaven by her grandparents, Gust and Esther (Swalin) Olson and Harold and Anna Leech.

Survivors include her parents, Harold and Virginia Olson of Pomeroy; sisters, Peggy (Dick) Olson-Jones of Blaine, MN and Lisa (Gerhardt) Gliege of Bloomington, MN; brother, Jon (Rachel) Olson of Pomeroy and five nieces and nephews, Abbi Olson of Chicago, Jaci (Theo) Hultman of White Bear Lake, MN, Ben Olson of Pomeroy and Mason and Kyle Gliege of Bloomington, MN.