It is with great sadness and heartache that we announce the passing of Debra Jean Jones (Vaughn) on August 9th, 2023.

Debra was born on September 12, 1954 in Ogden, Utah to parents William and Jean Vaughn. The first three years of her life were spent in Ogden, and then the family moved to North Idaho outside of Priest River.  She spent her first years of elementary school there before the family purchased a home in Newport, Washington.  The rest of Debra's school career was in Newport where she was active in social groups, including band and cheerleading, and always had a fondness of school spirit that carried on through her entire life.

After graduating from Newport High School in 1972, she married Michal Jones.  Debra worked for various local companies, usually in a customer service role, including Newport Concrete, Priest River Medical Clinic, eventually retiring from Newport Family Medicine in 2021.  Debra was often the first-person greeting patients with a friendly smile. So many people grew to love and appreciate her caring and kind soul.

In 1979, Mike and Debra welcomed the birth of their son, Jason Michal Jones.  Mike and Debra separated in 1981, but both remained local to raise Jason.  Debra spent most of her time surrounded by friends and family.  For those fortunate enough to be either one, you would know that every friend was treated like family and every family member was a friend.  Debra was kind, caring and understanding.  She found good in everyone that came her way and would do anything to help anyone in need.  She lived most of her life with the desire to make others happy, whether it being a simple gift, a kind word or a comforting hug. She was solid, stable, and though not always on time, she was always reliable.  Long ago, Debra started the annual tradition of producing calendars for each family member listing all birthdays and anniversaries.  When Debra first started there were only a handful of entries. The calendar for 2023 finished with 95 entries.

In 2003, Debra became a grandma when Jason and Monica had their first son, Wyatt.  He was followed by his brother Brennan in 2007.  Debra could always be seen at any of her grandkids' events, rain or shine, summer or winter.  She was always their biggest fan and so proud of her grandsons.  They were truly her heart and soul.

In 2014, Debra moved back to her childhood home to care for her mother.  This was a big commitment and sacrifice that Debra was more than willing to do for her mom and the rest of her family.  Jason, Monica, and the boys cherished the weekly dinners while spending family time together with Grammy and Grandma Jeannie.  This tradition continued for the next nine years.

Above all, the most important thing in Debra's life was her family.  Whether it be her time with Jason and his family or any of her six siblings, nothing brought her more joy than being with them. When she wasn't busy with family or friends she enjoyed crocheting, shopping, scrapbooking, and reading.

Debra is preceded in death by both of her parents.  She is survived by her son, Jason, daughter-in-law Monica, and grandsons Wyatt and Brennan Jones; siblings Tricia Kottke (Barry), Jeff Vaughn (Barb), Julie Shanholtzer (Toby), Greg Vaughn (Cheryl), Amy Pounds (Terry), and Lori Massey (Greg), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Friday, August 18th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Priest River, Idaho. Interment will follow at the Priest River Evergreen Cemetery.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport WA is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com