Debra May "Debbie" Spence passed away Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.  She was born, February 3, 1957, in Liberal, the daughter of Merle L. Skinner Sr. and Isabel May (McCord) Skinner.

Debbie attended Hugoton Public Schools and graduated in 1975. She attended Wichita State University and graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education.

Debbie met Lee Spence while attending Emporia State University. They were married May 26, 1979, in Liberal, and were blessed with three children, Dixie, Dustin, and Alex.  Debbie thrived in her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother, supporting them in all their activities.

Debbie's faith was strong, and she was a current member at Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson.  She was the Hutchinson Middle School 7 ^th grade Family and Consumer Science teacher for several years. In addition, Debbie was involved in the 4-H Foundation, serving as past president and treasurer.  She was also involved in 4-H as a food, clothing and style review judge and as a Kansas State Fair judge for food. In her spare time, she was a water aerobics instructor at the Hutchinson YMCA and took quilting classes.  Debbie was also involved at Trinity United Methodist Church as a leadership coach, and as a member of the Genesis Sunday school class.

Debbie is survived by: her husband of almost 43 years, Lee Spence of Hutchinson; sons, Dustin (Megan) of Olathe and Alex of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Eliza (4) and Jameson (6 months); sister, Cindy Louis of Pine Bluff, AR; brother, Sam Skinner of College Station, TX; father-in-law, Dwight Spence; and brother-in-law, Steve Spence.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dixie May Spence, and her parents.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 17 ^th and Main, Hutchinson, with The Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating.  Burial will follow in McPherson City Cemetery.  Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2022, and 9:00 to 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary.  The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2022, in the sanctuary at Trinity United Methodist Church

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.