Deborah Joyce Watson, age 74, passed away on September 6, 2025, at HaysMed in Hays, Kansas.

Deb was born on September 14, 1950, in Tribune, Kansas, the beloved daughter of Fred Dale and Elaine (Ingram) Watson.

She dedicated many years of her life to the McCracken School System as a janitor and took pride in beautifying homes throughout the area with her skilled painting.

She shared over 40 wonderful years with her husband, Craig Rixon, the love of her life. Their devotion to each other was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Deb is survived by her loving husband, Craig, of McCracken; her mother, Elaine, of Hays; and her three daughters: Jamie Lynn Sewell of El Dorado, Shelly Rae DuNah of McCracken, and Tammy Jo Yoke and husband Daniel of Wichita. She also leaves behind three sisters: Leann (Walter) Hughes of Oakley, Janice (Bill) Bradstreet of Oakley, and Vanessa (Henry) Reed of Kalvesta; as well as sisters-in-law Peggy Smith of Jewel and Joy Petz of McCracken.

Deb's legacy lives on in her 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy.

She was preceded in death by her father, Fred; her son, Verlin Todd Sewell; her brother, Roger Watson; and her son-in-law, Jason DuNah.

A funeral service to celebrate Deb's life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the McCracken Methodist Church, with burial to follow at the McCracken Cemetery.

Friends are invited to pay their respects and sign the guest book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Ness City on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Deb's honor may be made to the McCracken Methodist Church.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.