Deborah Jean Sykes' Obituary
Deborah Jean Sykes
June 14, 1959-March 13, 2016
Deborah Jean Sykes was born on June 14, 1959, in Agana, Guam to Mary Margaret (Murray) Sykes and Randolph Gray Sykes. Debbi was the fifth of seven children and the only daughter. She had four older brothers, Randolph, Norman, Michael, and Gerald and two younger brothers, Darryl and Duane.
After living in Guam, the family moved to Bremerton, Washington, then after a few years, moved to their home in the Chapman area of Scappoose.
Debbi attended Scappoose schools and was a 1977 graduate of Scappoose High School and traveled to Hawaii to compete on the high school’s debate team.
She married David Ihle on October 13, 1979. Her daughter, Tiffany was born in 1981 and son, John was born in 1982. She and Dave followed his career with Greyhound bus lines from Portland to Eureka, California, back to Portland and finally to the Spokane, Washington area where they raised their family.
Debbi had a bubbly, playful personality that people loved being around. She was caring, kind, and loyal to her friends and family. Debbi was very crafty and enjoyed painting and sewing. She was a competitive board gamer and card player, loved listening to music and singing karaoke with her friends. She enjoyed travelling, loved the ocean, and made many trips to Mexico with her mother, Mary.
Debbi was an industrious and strong woman. She had her own home-based child care business for many years, then went on to work in high tech product assembly, customer service, and food merchandising.
Above all, she loved her family. She sacrificed her life to care for her mother, Mary when she became ill. She has always been committed to her brothers and children. But there is no bond quite the same as the one she has with her five grandchildren. There is nothing she wouldn't do for them. She adored them.
Debbi passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, March 13th due to complications from heart disease.
She is survived by her children, John (Christine) Ihle and Tiffany Ihle; her brothers, Randy, Norm, Mike, Jerry, Darryl, and Duane Sykes; grandchildren, Dante, Kaiden, Nevaeh, Hannah, and Logan; seven nieces; and three nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Graveside Service will be held at Columbia Memorial Gardens on Sunday March 20, 2016 at 2:30 P.M. Friends are welcome to join the family at the service.
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