Debra Kay Mayala, age 67, died after a long battle with cancer on Thursday, September 12, 2024. She was surrounded by her family at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Debbie was born in Rice Lake on September 17, 1956 to John (Bud) and Nancy (Mizer) Mayala. Her family remembers her as being very artistic from an early age. After graduating from Barron High School in 1976, she attended cosmetology school in Eau Claire.

She used her creativity in many ways, such as creating jewelry, gardening and arranging flowers. She was a spiritual being who saw God’s creativity in nature. Debbie loved kids and was sought after as a babysitter. She also had a special place in her heart for all dogs. She had many dogs in her lifetime and they all should have been named “Lucky” because she was a wonderful caregiver.

Debbie is survived by her father, John E. (Bud) Mayala; brother, David and sister-in-law, Phyllis; niece, Sheila; aunts, uncles, cousins; and her loyal canine companion, Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy; maternal and paternal grandparents.

A funeral service for Debbie will be held on Friday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Barron. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 19 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday morning. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in the Town of Turtle Lake.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Sep 16, 2024 2:20 pm CDT