Debra "Debbie" Lynn Parrish, 68, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colorado, with many of her loved ones by her side.
Debbie was born on August 28, 1957, in Rawlins, Wyoming, to Charles Makinen and Tempest "Irene" Makinen. She was the sixth of ten children and was raised in Rawlins, where she built a life full of family, hard work, and love.
On July 1, 1976 Debbie married the love of her life, Larry Parrish. Together they had a family and raised their three children, Wesley, Heather, and Bobby. Debbie and Larry also helped raise their Grandchildren Raven and Davonte, loving and caring for them every step of the way.
Debbie worked for many years as a head housekeeper at Best Western and also as a CNA at South Central Wyoming Rehabilitation Center. She spent much of her life caring for others, both through her work and in the way she loved the people around her.
Debbie loved with her whole heart. She had a way of making people laugh, cracking jokes and bringing smiles to those around her. She loved spending time with family and friends. Before Larry passed, you could often find them enjoying time with friends during pool tournaments. Debbie also loved her nieces and nephews like they were her own, and the bond she shared with her family meant everything to her.
Debbie is survived by her children, Wesley (Partner Sheri), Heather, and Bobby, all of Rawlins; her grandchildren, Raven Parrish of Rawlins, Davonte (Alysea) Perry of Cheyenne, and Chance Parrish of Cheyenne; her great-granddaughter, Zola Perry of Cheyenne. Siblings, David Makinen (Partner Darla) of Torrington, Clay (Debra) Makinen of Rawlins, Toni (Chris) Nickelson of Rawlins, Melvin Makinen of Torrington, and Jackie (Adan) Gonzalez of Montrose, Colorado. Sister-in-law, Kathy Makinen; Uncle, Ray (Chrissy) Brown; Aunt, Deb Dahlke; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, her parents, Charles Makinen and Irene Young; her stepfather, Bill Young; her in-laws, Vern and Delores Potter; as well as four siblings, two nephews, and many other beloved family members.
Debbie will be remembered for her fierce love, her caring heart, her sense of humor, and the joy she brought to so many lives. She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Debbie will be cremated and laid to rest next to Larry. A celebration of life will be held on April 10, at 2:00 pm at the Rawlins Cemetery with a potluck dinner to follow at The Depot in Rawlins. Please join the family and share your stories about Debbie.