Deborah Yeaton McWhorter, 51

Deb was born September 28, 1968 to Denny and Joyce Yeaton in Chamberlain, SD, passed away with her Dad holding her hand, on June 13, 2020 in Scottsdale, AZ, at the age of 51 from Pancreatic Cancer. 

Deb is survived by husband Steve McWhorter, sons Jacob, Zachary and Matthew, father Dennis Yeaton and stepmother Kay, brother Todd Yeaton and wife Keileen, nieces Bethany Yeaton, Darby Absher and Libby Absher, nephews Spencer Yeaton, Logan Thieman, Justin Bell and wife Amber, Jason Bell and wife Shalace, stepbrother Douglas Hofer, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, mother Joyce (Geraets) Yeaton, nephews Grant Yeaton and Christopher Yeaton, and stepsister Lori Bell.

Deb graduated from Chamberlain HS in 1986 and went on to graduate with Honors obtaining an Electrical Engineering degree from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1991. She moved to Scottsdale, AZ to work for Honeywell in their Commercial Aviation Division. She was heavily involved with the Pinnacle High School Band Program. Loved to attend Cardinals games with her dad. She was a Snow Queen of the Chamberlain area, basketball star, world traveler, hiker, camper, fisherman, fitness enthusiast, devoted mother, loved daughter, knowledge seeker, and so much more. 

Deb did not give up, her body did. Deb chose to fight and not give in to cancer and she won for over 2 years. She paved the way and inspired us all to fight any future battles we may encounter. 

The family is planning a memorial service in late July in Chamberlain, SD subject to changes due to the Coronavirus crisis. 

In lieu of flowers an account has been set up at Wells Fargo in the name of “Deborah McWhorter Music Memorial Fund” for future Pinnacle HS band scholarships.