A celebration of life is planned for 10:30 to 3:00 p.m. on July 27th, 2024 at the Roche-a-Cri State Park with a time of remembrance at 12 Noon.
Deborah was born October 04, 1947 in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Howard Stephen Whitney and Betty Jean Newlin. Deborah grew up in rural Oklahoma until age 16 while her father was a professor at Texas A&M (Go Aggies!). The family – Howard, Betty, Deborah, her twin sister, Diane (Beckley) and their younger brother, Stephen Whitney, moved to Madison, WI where Howard took a position at the University of Wisconsin (Go Badgers!). Deborah met Ronald at Madison West High School and also the Methodist Youth Group that they were both a part of. Upon high school graduation in 1965, Deborah traveled with family for some time until moving to England to be with Ronald. She married Ronald Norris Boettcher on July 3rd, 1970 at the Upper Heyford Air Force Base in Oxfordshire, England.
Upon Ron’s discharge from the military, Deborah and Ron moved to Milwaukee, WI for school and eventually a teaching position for Ronald. They adopted Carrie (Fox) in October of 1980. Deborah was a stay at home mom during Carrie’s early years but went back to college at UW-La Crosse to finish her teaching degree. She graduated December 21, 1996 and went on to teach in Necedah, WI for 15 years before retiring in 2016.
Deborah was a loyal employee wherever she worked and always put forth as much effort as needed to complete any task. Her main goal was to complete her teaching degree and accomplished that by graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education.
Deborah enjoyed reading, especially to her daughter, Carrie, and later to the grandkids. Her other hobbies included cross stitch and knitting. She made several sweaters, scarves and mittens and hats for the grandkids, nephews and nieces. She also loved to cook and bake, one Christmas she took on the task of making a recipe/cookbook for all the women of the family. Recipes were gathered from her mom, Ron’s mom, and anybody that she could get to share their favorite recipe. Most of the cookbooks are still in use. While living in Milwaukee, Deborah was a Girl Scout Leader.
Deborah was a member of the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association and Friends of Roche-A-Cri State Park.
Memorials may be directed in Deborah’s memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Deborah was preceded in death by: Both sets of Grandparents; Brother-in-Law, Jim (Diane) Beckley, Father – Howard S. Whitney, Mother – Betty J. Whitney, Father-in-law, Orris C Boettcher, Mother-in-Law, Norma L. Boettcher.
Survivors her Loving Husband: Ronald N. Boettcher; daughter, Carrie D. Fox (Matthew Evans); grandchildren: Shyann A. Fox, Ciara K. Fox, and Samuel J. Fox; siblings: Diane and Stephen along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Dear Ron, I am so sorry to read this. Deb was such a kind and thoughtful person and I am so glad I met her. Always with a quick smile and a sense of humor with that twinkle in her eye. Sending you a hug of caring.
My deepest sympathy Ron and family!!!!! So sorry for your loss, keeping you in my prayers!!!!!!!!,
Ron, Scott and I are so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing!! You two were such nice neighbors!! We will keep you and your family in our prayers!! Scott and Peggy Willis.
Ron and family, Just got Terri’s subscription of Adams Times to see obituary of Deb. So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful woman!
Life is short.
Love, Terri and Tom Beversdorf
Sorry for your family’s loss at this time
Out thoughts are with the family.
Ron, We are sorry to hear about Deb’s passing. You are in our prayers.
Ron and family, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron and family, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron and family: I’m so very sorry to hear of your great loss. She was always so strong and determined. I have fond memories of her. May God grant you what you need right now.
In peace,
Pam Tuttle
Ron we are so sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Ron-
We are so sorry to hear about Deb’s passing. Whenever we saw her, she was always so interested in our lives. She was such a caring person. You have our sympathy. Patty & Greg Kobs
I am so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. She taught two of my children and we absolutely loved her.
Our Deepest Condolences Ron & family.Prayers to you all.
I sending prayers to her family and friends
Ron, sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
My sympathies to you, Ron, and your family. You are all in my prayers.
Ron how very sorry I am to hear of her passing. The love you two shared was truly amazing. My prayers for you and yours are that you all know you are loved and thought about everyday. Sincerely the Sherd families
Ron & Carrie,
I’m so sorry to hear your sad news but know she is at peace and has no more frustrating struggles. Ron, you were such a kind caregiver these last few years. Deb was a fun, caring person wirh a big heart and great sense of humor. May your grief soon become many wonderful memories.
So sorry to learn that Deb passed away! She had such a great sense of humor and we always joked when ever I saw her! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Ron and family… I didn’t personally know Deb but when working on Post Prom Ron would make references to her on different occasions! My deepest condolences to all!
Dear Ron and family,
You have our deepest sympathy. You are truly blessed to have shared your life with Deb. You are in our prayers.
Pat’s dad had Lewy Body Dementia, so we know how difficult that can be.
Love and prayers,
Pat and Sandy Connors
Oh my. Ron and Carrie and Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of Deb. May flights of angels sing her to her rest. Take care. Peace and Love,
Sandy, Alexis and Chris Pheiffer 💞
Ron and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
We send our deepest condolences. Deb was such a wonderful person. We both enjoyed conversations with her. Such a caring individual. Our prayers are with you Ron and the rest of the family.
Ron. I’m so sad to hear about Debs passing. She was always such a wonderful person to me. I loved her sense of humor and her kindness. I always knew she could be counted on for a smile. She will be greatly missed by many. My prayers are with you and your family.
Ron and family, our hearts go out to you at the loss of Deb. May she rest in peace and may you all find comfort in your family.
Ron, I’m so sorry to hear about Deb’s passing. Keeping you in my prayers.
Sorry for your family’s loss Ron, prayers and thoughts.