On Jan. 28, 2021, Debra Lynne Roope passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side, after a long, courageous battle with kidney disease. Deb was born in Spokane, Wash., on June 10, 1955, to Joseph T. Roope and Beatrice W. (Nuttelman) Roope.

Deb attended schools in the Coeur d’Alene School District and graduated as a proud Viking from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1973. During her high school years, she was a school newspaper editor, a member of Girl’s Club, a shot putter for CHS women’s track team, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church youth group.

From a very young age, art was Deb’s love. Drawing, painting, writing and photography became lifelong passions. Deb also loved the great outdoors and after high school, joined the Youth Conservation Corps where she trained in Yachats, Ore.

Upon completion of the program, Deb was hired in fire management for Fernan Ranger Station in Coeur d’Alene, where she worked for 12 years on summer fire crews and eventually as a fire dispatcher. During these years, she traveled with fire crews throughout Montana, Washington and California. She loved the work, the mountains and the fellowship of working with the crew. With no fires to fight during the snowy winters, Deb pursued an art and religious education degree at Whitworth College in Spokane.

Deb’s priorities were always faith, family and friends. After 12 years of fighting fires and working on her art/religious education, she decided to continue that pursuit in California. But life took a detour that landed her at Calvin Crest Christian Conference Center in Oakhurst, Calif., near the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. Deb was in heaven — trees, mountains, her church family, art, working with kids — it became her new home away from Idaho. For 18 years, Deb worked season to season in Calvin Crest’s Outdoor Ed and Summer Craft programs, eventually becoming a camp secretary.

In 2005, health problems plagued Deb and she returned to Coeur d’Alene to be with her Idaho family and friends. Deb continued with her art, creating beautiful watercolors of family, memories of Calvin Crest, and more. Although she never was published, it was her lifelong dream to become an author and illustrator of children’s books and she leaves behind many treasured illustrated writings.

Deb was preceded in death by her dad, Joe Roope Sr. She is survived by her mom, Bea Roope; brothers, Dan (Pam) Roope and Joe (Suzie) Roope Jr.; sister, Jodi (Russ) Wilson; nieces and nephews, Jeff Wilson, Molly (Ronnie Watson) Wilson, Tim (Kayla Clausen) Wilson, KD (Wess) Roope-Strasberg, Kevin Roope, and Grayson Roope; aunt and uncle, Laura Heyn and Bob Nuttelman; and many cousins, great nieces and nephews. Deb was loved by all.

A celebration of Deb’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d ‘Alene, Idaho. In memory of Deb, contributions can be made to Calvin Crest Conferences, 45800 Calvin Crest Road, Oakhurst, CA 93644-9614, with funds designated for the arts and crafts program.

Thank you to the Coeur d’Alene medical community who provided Deb with loving medical care and support over the years. Our sincere appreciation in particular to Dr. RA McLandress and the staff of Kootenai Family Practice, Dr. Joshi and Nephrology Associates staff, DSI Hayden Dialysis, Ivy Court, Kootenai Health, and Schneidmiller Hospice House.

Deb was a strong woman of faith and she will be missed greatly by all her many friends and family.

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com