Debbie Mae Hegwald ,68, long time resident of LeRoy, Kansas, passed away at her home on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 after battling diabetes for many years. Debbie was born August 9th,1955 in Iola, Ks, to Floyd Jake Trester and Ruby Mae (Jones) Trester. She was the oldest of seven children. Debbie graduated from LeRoy High School in 1973.
On January 22, 1974, she married the love of her life, Bruce Hegwald, at the LeRoy Christian Church. They made their home in LeRoy. They would have been married 50 years in January.
She had been employed by Strawder's Puppet Factory, Yates Center Sewing Factory, Wolf Creek as a cleaner, Dufur Bridge and was a volunteer firefighter for 18 years at CCFD #1 Station 5.
She enjoyed painting, drawing, writing and woodworking. She spent many weekends at craft fairs selling her handmade items. She loved collecting owls and snowmen over the years and built quite the collection.
Debbie spent many years following her grandkids, who were the light of her life, to their sporting events, as well as other activities they were involved in. When not following them, she could be found playing bingo, slot machines at one of her favorite casinos, or spending time at home with her cats Goober and Cocoa, who was adopted from the Burlington Animal Shelter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, George and Joan Hegwald, four brother-in-laws, one niece, one nephew and one great-grandson.
She leaves her husband of 49 years, Bruce Hegwald, daughters Rita (David) Walters of LeRoy, Randi (Jerame) Hugunin of Burlington. Grandchildren Martyna (Zach), Myranda (Andrew), Maycee (Tyler), Raelynn (Josh), Brayden, Makayli (Lane) and Mitchyl. Great-Grandkids Novah, Hudson and Langstyn. Her siblings, Diana(Dave), Doug, Donna(Nick), Dixie, Delcie(Grant), and Dawn(Randy), 2 sister in-laws, 5 brother in-laws, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Burlington Animal Shelter or First Christian Church of LeRoy Penny Supper.

A visitation will be held at the LeRoy Christian Church from 6:00-8:00pm on November 8th, 2023.

A funeral service will be held at the Leroy Christian Church at 10am on November 9th, 2023. Burial will follow at the Schlichter Cemetery.