Debra Utterback

Debra S. (Graff) Utterback, 58, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2012. Memorial services will be 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the teacher's fund at Highland Elementary. Debra was born April 26, 1953, in Mason City, Iowa, to Russell and Phyllis Graff. She moved with her family to Prairie Village and graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1971. Debra graduated from William Jewell College with Bachelor's degree in elementary education and later received her Master's degree from Midamerica Nazarene University. She taught for the past 25 years in the Shawnee Mission School District, and primarily at Highland Elementary. Debra was an avid gardener, loved sewing, craft projects, and an animal lover. Survivors include her husband of 30 years, Don Utterback; her parents, Russell and Phyllis Graff; a sister, Nancy (Ken) Kruse; two nephews, Michael (Pam) and Brian Kruse; a step-daughter, Tammy (Jim) Endicott, a step-son, Ty (Junko) Endicott; and three step grandsons.

---