Deborah Colleen Wilper

Deborah Colleen (Powls) Wilper, age 73, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at her home in Garnett, Kansas, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on June 2, 1952, in Garnett, the daughter of Vern and Juanita (Lamb) Powls. Debbie was the youngest of six children and grew up in a large, loving family in the Garnett community.

On May 20, 1978, Debbie was united in marriage to the love of her life, Rex Wilper. Together they built a life centered on family, love, and dedication. Debbie was a devoted mother to her children, Steven and Sarah, who were her pride and joy-a love only surpassed by the arrival of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Debbie worked for many years at the Anderson County Courthouse as the Register of Deeds before following her husband to Texas for what they affectionately called their "extended vacation." Upon returning to Kansas, she began working for Miami County Title in Paola, where she remained until her retirement in 2019.

During her lifetime she was a member of Jaycees, BPW and enjoyed spending time tending the roses that her husband would bring home from job sites. She was proud supporter of all her children's and grandchildren's activities. She also enjoyed attending numerous Alan Jackson concerts and Chamber Players performances with friends and traveling with her Yo sisters. There was also never a dull moment when spending time with her best friend Michelle Meiwes.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Juanita Powls; two brothers, Bill Powls and Bob Powls; an infant sister, Sharon Kay Powls; and her husband, Rex Wilper, on December 13, 2023.

She is survived by her children, Steven Wilper and wife Melanie of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Sarah Burkhart and husband Andrew of Garnett, Kansas; five grandchildren, Zachary Wilper and wife Hanah, Charlie Covert, Istonia Luttrell, Damion Hulcy, and Hunter Wilper; two great-grandchildren, Oakley and Rhett Wilper; two sisters, Shirley Hart and Molly Jessee; and two sisters-in-law, Wanda Powls and Wilma Powls; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who have become like family. Debbie will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and the deep love she had for her family and her faith.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Holy Angels Cemetery. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett, Kansas. Following the Rosary, the family will greet friends during a visitation from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the church. Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.