Deborah Lynn Dammel

Deborah Lynn Dammel, age 74, of Odessa, passed away, and went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 16, 2022.Debby was born on July 9, 1947 to Eaton “Bud” and Norma Kneeskern in Dacorah, Iowa.

Debby graduated from Thompson Falls High School in 1965 and attended the University of Montana for 2 years before transferring to Eastern Washington University where she completed her BA in Education, with a focus in Home Economics and Education. After graduating she moved to Odessa for her first teaching job in 1971. Here she met the love of her life, Stan Dammel, who first discovered his beautiful wife in an article in the Odessa Record. As a child, son Todd used to joke that, “Dad found mom in the paper!” They were married on September 22, 1972 and she became an instant mom to Todd and Denise.

They spent 50 years together building an incredible life and family. In 1975 they started their first business adventure together – Deb’s Fabrics and Superior Refrigeration & Appliance. Because that didn’t seem like enough to juggle, in 1978 they flew themselves to Texas and brought home their newest family members…Troy, Elaine & Melinda…which grew the Dammel clan to a family of 7 overnight! She later returned to teaching and spent 27 years within the Wilson Creek school. Amazingly she somehow managed being a full-time working mom and still went on to complete her MA in Administration and Curriculum from Gonzaga in 1997.

Debby’s faith was very important to her and she was daily spending time reading the Bible and journaling, even up to the day before her death. She sang in the church choir and loved to sing with Crab Creek for most of her married life. Her prayers and faith are now fully answered as we know she is finally healed and strong, singing and making a joyful noise before the Lord!

Her greatest concern was always for others and helping with any needs people had. She was giving with her finances, her time, and her cooking. Even in the end, when she was dealing with her own significant health concerns, she was continually sending text messages of encouragement to those around her. When Stan arrived home the day she passed away, she wanted to know how his day was and how his flight that afternoon had gone.

Debby loved flying…and it wasn’t enough for her to sit in the seat next to her husband as he piloted the plane! She had such a love for it she worked to earn her private pilot license and she received her Rating on August 12, 2001.

She also adored her animals and her children recall the cats in the cat barn, the guinea hens to keep the coyotes away, many dogs through the years, and even a couple of goats for a short time, that were all dear friends. She is missed by both her cat Tilly and dog Nikki.

Debby is survived by her husband, Stan Dammel, of Odessa, son Todd and his wife Kristen, son Troy and his wife Ana, daughter Denise and her husband Eric, daughter Melinda and David, and daughter Elaine Dammel. Also mourning the loss of their wonderful grandma are numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. We are grateful she is at peace with the Lord.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 602 E Amende Drive, Odessa, on July 8, 2022, at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Union Gospel Mission (www.uniongospelmission.org), Angel Flight West (www.angelflightwest.org) or the Crab Creek (through Christ Lutheran Church). Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville, WA is handling arrangements.