Deborha Ann Bonwell

Deborha Bonwell (Luebber) August 3, 1954 - June 15, 2021 East Wenatchee, WA "I want you to know that I have not given up, only my body has." These were the ever-important words my mom, Deborha Bonwell, informed me on her last day of life. On June 15, 2021, Debby passed away at the age of 66 after a long and courageous cancer battle. She was surrounded by the love of her family who will continue to honor her love of life and fighting spirit long after her passing. The daughter of O.H. and Bertie Luebber, Debby was born and raised in Wenatchee. She married my dad, Frank Bonwell, in 1973 and moved to East Wenatchee prior to giving birth to me, her only child, Steffanie. Her four-legged child, Zoey, held a special place in her heart and my mom said Zoey always had her back - meaning she often slept snuggled to my mom's back. Debby held a few different jobs, but her life-long job of mother and wife was her ultimate career. My mom took motherhood quite seriously, teaching me the importance of calling in sick to work to stand in line for concert tickets and sharing the secret ingredient in my grandma's potato salad. But most importantly, she taught me how to be brave and strong. She was my best friend. As a wife and partner, Debby's love for Frank is never-ending. She cared for him in their home for much longer than anyone else in her shoes would have. Even after she was unable to provide the care he needed, my mom continued to bring him home several times per week. When that was no longer an option, she faithfully visited or spoke to him over the phone several times per week thereafter. The two of them are the epitome of "in sickness and in health". Debby spent many hours sharing her love of music with me while listening to the 8-Track in the family's Monte Carlo. One of my favorite memories with my mom was driving to Grand Coulee and singing Neil Diamond's "Forever in Blue Jeans" at the top of our lungs. She reached major concert-goer status, attending concerts like Elton John, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Fleetwood Mac, John Fogerty, the Eagles, John Mellencamp, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett, and many other music legends. I was by her side for each show. She was passionate about sewing, crocheting, painting, and other crafts. Her newly found love for attending Wenatchee Wild Hockey games with her friends was a big highlight for her. She also loved snorkeling and even paddle-boarded in Maui a few years ago with me. Her willingness to be right alongside me in whatever I was doing was endless. And while she may not physically be here anymore, her spirit will live on in all my future adventures. I plan to hold a small celebration of life at a later date. You are welcome to view Debby's online tribute at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com to share a memory or leave a condolence. As many know, my mom was very involved in raising money for cancer research and survivorship programs. Memorial contributions to the Chelan/Douglas Relay for Life ACS team can be mailed to 205 Marie Ave, Wenatchee WA 98801. We would appreciate any and all donations so that one day we will no longer live in fear of a cancer diagnosis.