Debra "Debbie" Lee Matern Smith passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the age of 65.
Debbie was born on August 1, 1952 to Ralph G and Eileen E Matern in Salt Lake City, Utah.
She worked at Petersons Fresh Market in Riverton, Utah for 18 years where she enjoyed meeting new people and catching up with her favorite customers.
She loved camping under the stars, fishing, family BBQs and the Utah State Fair where she could get her favorite fudge. Her favorite time was Christmas time. There was barely time for the Thanksgiving turkey to settle before she was ready to get her spinning Christmas tree and decorations up. She loved taking drives to see the Christmas lights and always wished for a fresh snowfall on Christmas morning.
Debbie is deeply loved by so many. Her sense of humor and kind heart will be greatly missed by the many lives she touched.
Debbie is preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her mother, sisters Ellen Wohlgemuth (Charlie), and Diana Dee Snow (John), children Riki Rice Lay (Philip), Susette Ferguson Wagaman (Justin), and Nick Winn (Mindy), 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 4 nephews, many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins and Mark Rice Sr.
Debbie did not want a funeral, instead a celebration of life will be held in January for family and friends.
Our family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the doctors and staff at Jordan Valley Hospital for their care and kindness during her last few days.
