Debbie was born in Helena, Montana on April 17, 1955 to Marshall and Della Williams. She was the youngest of five children and the only girl. Debbie was a graduate of Helena High and while in school, was elected co-head of the Helena Bengalettes marching drill team. After graduation, she attended Carroll College where she attained a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
She loved dancing and studied for many years with Trudy McDonald at the McDonald School of Dance. She went on to be a dance instructor and performer for the McDonald School.
As a young girl she joined Jobs Daughters and was chosen to become Honored Queen. This led to her becoming a life-long member of Josephine Hepner Chapter #89 of the Order of the Eastern Star where she was an active member and served as Worthy Matron for two separate terms, as did her mother. She was also elected Grand Representative of Italy in Montana.
Debbie loved ALL animals (except maybe voles). Whether they be furry, feathered, scaley or armored they had a place in her heart. Sloths were a particular favorite. She had a special love for horses and she and her friend Nan spent countless hours riding in the mountains around Helena. She took up the sports of show jumping and equitation and placed in every competition she entered.
Debbie wanted to be of service to people. In 1977, she accepted employment with the fledgling Montana League of Cities and Towns. She continued helping the League grow into the organization it is today. In 2015 she retired from the League after a distinguished 38 year career.
In 1988 she married Don Jones, the love her life. They had 14 years together building up Don’s business, Montana Metal Buildings and Crane Service before Don passed away in 2002.
Debbie was vivacious, friendly, always had a smile and was always willing to help. She loved traveling the world with her friends and family. They all remember her song-like “helloooo” when she entered a room, the glint in her eyes when she had a sly comment or joke and, most of all, her laughter.
After several years of heart problems and recent heart surgery, our favorite sister, aunt and friend quietly passed away on November 7, 2022. Her long-time best friend of 50 years, Nan Nail, and her brother were at her bedside.
She was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents, her aunt Betty Ann and her brother Barry. She is survived by her uncle, brothers, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena, Montana on November 29, 2022 at 10:30am.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Lewis and Clark County Humane Society or the Wild About Cats Rescue and Sanctuary, PO Box 7866, Helena MT 59604-7866
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday November 29, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday November 29, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Diane says
To Debbie’s family:
I am so sad and shocked to learn Debbie passed away. She was a wonderful person and a friend that I have known for many years. I pray that she is safe in God’s hands and will be reunited with her mom, dad and husband. With sincere sympathy.
Diane Richter Pedersen
JimM Maher says
I knew Debbie to be a kind and courageous woman. Many (most) loved her and admired her. So sorry for the loss of a good woman. She will be missed. My sincere condolences to her family.
James Maher
Tricia Sahinen says
I am so sad to learn of Debbie’s passing. I have great memories of her as my tap dancing teacher at the MacDonald Dance studio. My last dance was a duet to the song Danny’s All-Star Joint. We had a great time learning it from her and it was a hit at our end of year recital.
She was always so happy and always had a smile for everyone!
She will be truly missed.
Agnes Fowler says
I had the pleasure of working with Debbie through her job at the MLCT. She was amazing at her job juggling all the aspects from the day to day operations and the conferences, all with her smile. Honored to have known her, may she now Rest In Peace.
Connie Geiger says
Debbie was such a delight, and a good friend. We spent many hours playing dominoes and laughing together. I will remember her wonderful, and humorous, stories, and her singing along to just about any music she heard! Nan: may she always be dancing in your heart.
Connie and Judy
julie decker says
I loved my aunt Debbie! She was always so loving and easy to talk to! Everyone who knew her loved her💜