Debbie S. Flores

Debbie Sue (Voelker) Flores, 65, of Yakima, peacefully graduated to heaven on Sunday, April 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Debbie was born on September 17, 1959, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to John and Frankie (Tranquilina) Voelker. As a child, her family made their home in Yakima, where Debbie was raised and educated. She graduated from Davis High School in 1977 and chose to remain in the Yakima Valley, where she built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and community.

She began her career working alongside her father at Valley Evaporating, a time she always cherished. In 1988, she joined Tree Top, where she would dedicate over 37 years of faithful service before retiring in the spring of 2025. Debbie took great pride in her work, and her dedication was evident in all that she did—always dependable, always giving her best.

Debbie also had a heart for service. She participated in many local efforts through organizations such as United Way, and she was a regular blood donor with the Red Cross. She gave of herself freely and often, never seeking recognition, simply wanting to help where she could. She was a tireless booster mom and even took on the role of coach for her grandchildren’s basketball teams, cheering them on with great enthusiasm.

More than anything, Debbie loved her family. Her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother.  She made the most of every opportunity to travel—whether to national parks, the coast, or most recently, a memorable trip to Hawaii with family, where she earned the affectionate nickname "the turtle whisperer."  Debbie embraced life’s little adventures.

Debbie is survived by her daughters, Esther Flores of Selah and Malynda Dyer of Yakima; and by her seven beloved grandchildren: Lilyanna Echols, Jacey Flores, Christian Flores, Noelani Flores, Kaidon Echols, Amani Hamer, and Charlie Hamer. She is also survived by her loving parents, John and Frankie Voelker of Yakima; her brothers, Joey Voelker and Gerald Voelker, both of Yakima; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy (Voelker) Rew.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Simply Jesus Church, 3902 Summitview Avenue, Yakima.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Debbie’s honor may be made by contacting the family directly. Those wishing to sign Debbie's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com   Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Debbie S. Flores, please visit our floral store.