Funeral services for Deborah Lavon McKinzie Bretthauer RN BSN, 67, Lawrence, will be 10 AM Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
Deborah was born March 14, 1948, in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of John Henry and Roberta Lavon (Rhodes) McKinzie. In 1966, she graduated from Wyandotte High School and then Kansas University with a Bachelor of General Studies & Sociology (1976) and St. Mary University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors (1989).
She was an excellent nurse, supervisor, and a leader in her field. She also taught allied health courses throughout the region.
Deborah married her best friend, Frank Bretthauer, on March 17, 1978. Deborah and Frank have three daughters, Melinda (Richard), Elizabeth (Tim), and Molly. Beloved grandchildren include Jaered, Charlotte, Bob, and William.
She is preceded in death by her father. Survivors include parents Roberta and Jim Winney, brothers John Henry (Dianna) and Robert Stephen (Teresa), other adoring family, countless friends, and the many lives she graciously touched over the years.
Friends may call from 2PM until 6PM Monday, January 4, 2016 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A Vigil service will begin at 6PM and visitation will follow.
Family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Social Service League and/or Just Food, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044. A Scholarship Fund is being established for those pursuing the nursing profession.
Deb was on my staff several years ago and also taught the CNA class across the street at the Wellsville High School. We still have several of her students working with us and I remember how they always raved about her as an instructor. Deb played a vital role in transforming Wellsville Retirement Community into a thriving community for elders. She will be greatly missed.
Deborah will be greatly missed as she touched so many lives with her caring hands and heart. She was an inspirational voice to the entire nursing community. May family and friends find peace and continue to share the love Deborah brought to this world.
Pat we are so very sorry for your loss! I am glad you had her at Thanksgiving and got that wonderful photo with her. I pray God will do all to give comfort and I know Ted will do all he can for you as well. Love you so very much!!!
I was one of her student’s in a CNA course she taught. She was a great nurse and instructor who didn’t sweat the small stuff! Instead of this news, my wish would have been to receive a post card from her on a beach somewhere living the good life. She deserved so much more! May you be dancing in heaven Deb.
I was so sad to read of Debbie’s passsing. My family enjoyed being neighbors to the McKinzie’s on Haskell Ave. It was good to know what a wonderful life she lived and what a blessing she was to family and others in her career. She will be remembered as a sweet, caring young girl. May you find comfort in the days ahead knowing God’s grace. Janet, Mark, Duane and Keith Livingston
Deborah was such a wonderful person and nurse. My life was touched by her gentle kind spirit. Our careers crossed paths many times since 1988. To her daughters and family I am so sorry for your loss. She touched so many people and will always live on in our hearts.
I have been in great shock after hearing of Deb’s death. I know that this has devastated to you all; and pray that our God will wrap you in his loving arms, hold and comfort you all today and the days to come. We are not meant to lose our children and grandchildren. Deb was always such a sweet gal, like her mother and grandma. l will always cherish the summer days playing at the house on Ruby Avenue. Sending hugs and prayers.
Ther are no words to describe the sadness that I felt when I was told about Deborah’s tragic death. I’ve know her since she was an EKG tech and I was a staff nurse at St Margaret Hospital. We met again at Colonial Manor of Lawrence when I was DON and she was ADON/MDS nurse. She was a wonderful nurse and person. Her sense of humor helped the both of us through the stressors of long term care management. Such a sad loss for all who knew her.
Deborah was an outstanding CNA instructor and will be missed at NCCC. Deborah was so compassionate with the students and cared so much about them. Deborah always had such a great relationship with her students and cared about their well-being. Deborah was an awesome person, nurse and educator. Praying for peace and love to her family.
All our love to you with the loss of your Mom. She was a very sweet lady will always remember her visit to the cabin. Take care of yourselves and feel the love around you. KAthy and Alan
Molly and family, heartfelt condolences from your Fresno, CA family. Be kind to yourself, and remember to take care of yourself. It is so overwhelming and I’m so sorry. We are here and sending a lot of good thoughts for comfort and peace in your heart. Love, Lisa, Chris, Dylan and Baylee.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time, and we’re so sorry for your loss. We both fondly remember Deborah as a loving mother and enjoyed our parent/teacher relationship with her when we taught Melinda and Libby. We hope you feel God’s peace and comfort.
Deborah has been a major influence in my life somewhat of a mother figure. I took one of her cna classes 14 years ago..she hired me for my first cna job. We always seemed to find places of work together… Ending at Brandonwoods. She was such a positive influence in my and cared so much for the people in her life. She will be truly missed
Deb you was a awsome nurse an person i so remember working as a cna under you at brandon woods an ran in to you thru the yrs..rest easy
Thinking of the whole Bretthauer family. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your mom to be a strong woman who raised 3 pretty amazing daughters. I hope you find comfort in the memories and each other. I have fond memories of growing up across the street from your family on Sandusky Road.
To Frank and girls, grandchildren. So many years have passed since we have seen you. We have been in touch with Debbie over the last few years. We know that she will be missed by all of you. She is with you always and knows that she was loved by many.
Melinda and ALL family, my thoughts go out to you at this difficult time. May you continue to grow and love and give, following the example she set.
Deborah and I had a unique relationship, which was based on our love for our common grandchildren, including Jaered whom I had known since he was three years old, and also based on the ways we both faced life. I loved and admired her–I miss this remarkable woman terribly.
We were both shocked and saddened to hear of Deborah’s passing. I worked with Debbie at LMH in the late 70’s-early 80’s. She was an excellent nurse, teammate, and friend. We have not seen her in many years but never forgot her. Condolences and prayers to Frank and the rest of her family thru this difficult time.
Don and Marie Greenhaw
Overland Park, Kansas
Deborah helped so many residents, families and team members who worked with her during her career. Her compassion, practical approach and smile will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Deb was a devoted nurse who cared for many patients and their families in our community. It was a pleasure to work along side of her caring for patients and to learn from her. Deb was smart, fun, compassionate, generous and calm under pressure. My condolences to her family and friends.
Many thoughts and prayers to Debbie’s family. Debbie has been a very close family friend for a very long time. May she know how special she was to so many. The Miller family
What a great loss to everyone who knew Deborah, She was so caring and loving to everyone. RIP Deborah,it was an honor to know you!
Deb you will be missed very much.you had a kind heart to every one you meet. I will miss doing our genealogy together. I love you. Our prayers are with your family at this time.
Deborah was such a compassionate person. She demonstrated this in her life by dedicating her time to teaching healthcare students how to be CNAs. She touched and influenced many, many people and their career paths. What I remember most about Deb was her laugh. She had the happiest laugh and her whole face lit up as she giggled. She was an advocate for so many people, her staff, residents, families and then her personal family and friends. Deborah ALWAY gave of herself. She never held back and was kind to all that she met. I will miss her. My friend, my nurse mentor, and my hero. May God embrace all who are mourning her loss, but this RN angel now has her wings and is watching over all of us right now.