Debbie L. Childress

Debbie L. Childress peacefully passed away on May 14th, 2023, surrounded by her family after a long hard-fought battle against Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on September 10th, 1957, to Robert and Shirley Childress. Debbie grew up as a “navy brat” with her five siblings and spent much of her childhood in California and Arizona.

While attending a concert in Arizona, she met her first husband Steve Krtinich. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Babbitt where they eventually raised their two children, Katie and Joey. Debbie was employed by the Jaeger family at Babbitt Drug and as a cook at the Ely hospital where she developed numerous friendships. In 2002, Debbie moved back to California to be closer to her sisters. There she met and married David Thompson. They enjoyed their time together by going to Chargers games, playing cribbage, and taking trips to Disneyland with her stepson Michael, Katie, and Joey.

In 2007 Debbie, David, and Michael moved to Babbitt where they treasured the change in seasons living by Birch Lake. Debbie enjoyed collecting dolls, cooking, baking, quilting, and more recently getting to enjoy her granddaughter, Evelyn.

Debbie was proceeded in death by her parents and her siblings Bobby and Coulter.

She is survived by her husband: David Thompson and stepson: Michael, who both cared for her with love, devotion, and compassion. She is also survived by her daughter: Katie (Jordan) Richards (and a granddaughter on the way); son: Joey (Charlsie Sartain), and granddaughter Evelyn Krtinich; sisters: Anita Karim and Melinda Vincent; and brother: Edward Childress.

A casual celebration of life with stories and laughter will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the Junction Inn and Conference Center in Babbitt MN from 1 – 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Essentia Health Hospice.

The family would like to give special thanks to Essentia Health Hospice for the compassionate care given to Debbie.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Tower.  To express condolences on-line please see:  www.baumanfuneralhome.com.