Debra Irene Newell was born February 15, 1956 in Ontario to Brennon and Darlene Newell. 

She grew up in Halfway, Ore. It was in that picture perfect small town that Debbie found her love for animals. 

She even had a pet deer who rode the bus to school with her and insisted on watching Lassie every day. 

After graduating Pine Eagle High School she met and married Charles Pfaff and they moved to Burns where they welcomed two children. 

They later divorced. She took a job as a 911 Dispatcher to support the two loves of her life, her children. 

It was there, in dispatch that she found her strength and confidence. Debbie served the Harney County community for 24 years. 

She was the voice at the other end of the line on what could be the worst day of someone’s life. She knew that and took it to heart. 

She retired in 2017 and lived the rest of her years in much needed peace and quiet. She was so very loved and will be missed. 

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Brennon and Darlene Newell. 

She is survived by her brothers, Cameron Newell and his wife Amy Newell, BK Newell and his wife, Jerry Newell, and Rocky and his wife, Kris, along with many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her son, Josh Pfaff and his partner, Ben Brunner; daughter, Krystal Alverson and her husband, Chris Alverson, along with their two children, her grandchildren, Caleb Alverson and Colton Alverson.