Debbie D. Boomhower

Deborah Denise Boomhower, 65, of Salina, KS, and formerly of McPherson, KS and New Castle, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2023, at Salina Regional Health Center.  She worked 18 years as an operator for Southwestern Bell in McPherson and then as a switchboard operator for Jameson Hospital in New Castle, PA.

Debbie was born on December 8, 1957, in McPherson, KS, the daughter of Jay and Marilee (Kemp) Keagle. Debbie was the oldest of four sisters, and she loved being the “Number One” daughter. She graduated from McPherson High School in 1976 and attended Hutchinson Community College and Fort Hays University. 

She was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Hauck in 1988. They lived in Hutchinson, KS and then moved to Kansas City.  It was during these years in Kansas City that Debbie became a huge Chiefs football fan.  She watched every game with enthusiasm.  Debbie and Bob then moved to Pittsburgh, PA where she also became fanatical about the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even though she cheered for the Steelers, the Kansas City Chiefs were always number one in her heart. 

Bob died in 1993.  She later married James “Jim” C. Boomhower on June 16, 1997.  Debbie and Jim moved to New Castle, PA where they were able to live close to Jim’s children and grandchildren. One of Debbie’s most treasured roles was being “mama Debbie” to Matthew, Trevor, and Lexie.  After Jim’s death on November 18, 2008, Debbie moved back home to Kansas. She loved being able to spend valuable time with her parents, sisters, and nieces and nephews, as well as new friends made in Salina, KS, where she lived.

Debbie enjoyed cooking and baking for others.  At her apartment home on potluck days, Debbie would be in the kitchen preparing yummy food to share with all her friends.  She loved it!

Debbie was a fan of NBA and college basketball.  She liked watching The Golden State Warriors and The Phoenix Suns, as well as college teams such as KU and K-State.  

One of the highlights of her later life was purchasing her new red Ford Escape SUV, which she called “Boomie”.  She was a proud Ford owner!  

Debbie also loved all the pets and children in her life.  She loved her sister Kelly’s dog, Keva, a mini golden doodle.  Debbie would yell out, “Keeeve!”  when she walked into the house, and Keva would run to her, wagging her tail and giving all her attention to Debbie.  

Debbie missed her step-grandchildren after moving back to Kansas, but she doted on all her great nieces and nephews to help fill the void.  She was excited to find just the right gift at Christmas and made a point to recognize each of them on their birthdays. 

Debbie had many health challenges throughout her life.  She approached each with strength, cheerfulness and a big smile. She will be missed.  

Survivors include: her parents, Jay and Marilee Keagle of McPherson, KS; three sisters, Lori (Phil) Havens of McPherson, KS, Kelly (Hal) Havens of Lenexa, KS, and Stephanie (Darren) Whitcher of Lenexa, KS; nieces and nephews, Josh(Christy), Derek(Courtney), Audrey(Matthew), Kasey(Curtis), Brian(Kay), Abby, and Sam; great nieces and nephews, Caleb, Nathan, Landon, Lila, Graham, Cody, Jake, Teddy, Xander, Quinn, and Violet; three step-children, Dylan Boomhower, Melody Murray, and Lyric Carter; step-grandchildren, Sapphire, Matthew, Trevor, Alexis, and London; and many extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, March 3, 2023, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Parry officiating.  Inurnment will follow at McPherson Cemetery. To view a live stream broadcast of the service, please click on the following link: https://evt.live/memorial-service-for-deborah-d-boomhower

Memorial donations may be given to the American Kidney Fund in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.