Deborah L. Stenberg

Deborah Lynn Stenberg

Debbie passed away on Thursday November 13, 2025 in Sunnyside, WA.  She was born in Tacoma, WA on October 1, 1951 to Loren and Dorothy (Mathias)Thurston.

From an early age, Debbie was very socially active on both sides of the state.  Graduating from Wilson High School in Tacoma in 1969, she was always popular and well-liked by everyone she met.  One hundred percent a child of the 60’s, Debbie loved music and dancing and would prove her boogying skills with her friends any chance she got.  But the city girl also had a second set of close friends and cousins across the state in Sunnyside, where her mother’s family was from.  During her many visits to Sunnyside throughout her childhood, some of her fondest memories are of staying at Aunt Betty’s (Anderson) house and baking.  Thanks to Aunt Betty, Debbie became an expert baker and cook; a skill and love she carried with her for the rest of her life.  Also, during these visits and prolonged summer stays, Debbie co-founded “The Sister-hood;” a small group of close friends and cousins who were impressed with her big-city prowess, social skills, and ability to rock a pair of bell-bottomed jeans like no one they ever met. 

In 1972 Debbie married Steve Newhouse in Sunnyside and the couple had one son, Todd.  In 1975 she married Scott Satterthwaite in Tacoma where she had a second son, Tyler.  After a brief stint in business and beauty school (she had to drop out because she was allergic to the solution used in perms haha), she met the ultimate love of her life, Darrell Stenberg, and the two were married March 29, 1980 in Grandview, WA.  Their home away from home became Twin Lakes, WA where they spent a good chunk of their weekends and summers from 1980 until Darrell’s death in 2023. 

Throughout the 80’s, Debbie worked in the offices of several prominent lower Yakima Valley businesses, including Taylor Plumbing, Western Farmers, Dr. Shiels’s office, Dr. Stewart’s office, and Dr. Elerding’s office.  In 1987 she went to work for dentist Dr. Williams in Grandview and became the office administrator for him, and ultimately Dr. James, until her retirement in 2019.  These jobs allowed her to hone her exceptional people skills and she quickly became well-known and loved by what seemed like half the Lower Yakima Valley. 

Deb had a group of forever friends that remained constant for over 60 years.  Nori, Debbie (#2), Whitney, Rita, and Terra.  They traveled, shopped, shared lives, laughed a lot and had true life conversations.  Her commitment to her friends was strong.  She was a ravenous book reader, had a great smile, and an infectious signature laugh.  She never met a stranger and was always striking up a friendly conversation with anyone.  She procured expert advice and was a hard-core food critic.  She gave detailed descriptions of everything, to the point where she sometimes forgot what the conversation was initially about!  These friends remained by her side until her last days, just as she would have done for them. 

Debbie leaves behind her greatly loved family:  son Todd Newhouse and wife Amber (Prins) of Sunnyside, WA; son Tyler Satterthwaite and wife Kim (Segrin) of Portland, OR; brother and sister-in-law Jim and Patty (Hill) Thurston of Sun City West, AZ; brother Jack Thurston of Tonasket, WA; sister-in-law Diane Stenberg (Freel); 9 grandchildren: Brielle, Levi, Myles, Drew, Gage, Lincoln, Jackson, Olivia, and Chase.  “Nana” was very protective and proud of all her grandkids and constantly had some sort of craft she was working on for each of them. 

Debbie was proceeded in passing by her husband Darrell; parents Loren and Dorothy; and twin brother David Thurston, who she always looked out for.    

At Debbie’s request, there will be no formal funeral service.  Those wishing to remember and honor her may do so at her Celebration of Life open house at the Grandview Church of the Nazarene on Monday November 24th from 2-4pm.  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 Deborah L. Stenberg, please visit our floral store.