Debra Kay Kelly (Uhl), age 67, of Gresham, Oregon, passed away peacefully at her home on March 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was born on January 11, 1959, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Arvin “Papa” Uhl and Donna Uhl (VanRennes). From an early age, Debra carried a strong sense of faith, compassion, and warmth that would remain central throughout her life. She attended Catholic school through graduation, and her faith continued to guide her actions, her relationships, and the way she cared for others.
In her early adult life, Debra met her husband while serving in the Army Reserves. During this time, she welcomed her first son, Joshua. After completing two years of service, she and her husband chose to begin their married life together. She stepped away from military service to focus on motherhood, a role she embraced fully and proudly, while her husband transitioned into the United States Air Force. Together, they built a life shaped by service, movement, and shared experiences across multiple states and countries, including England, Wyoming, Iowa, Missouri, the Azores, New Mexico, Germany, Virginia, and finally Oregon.
Throughout those years, Debra built a life centered around family and care. She started a daycare in her early years and later worked in several roles, but her greatest pride was always being a mother. She eventually worked as a school lunch provider, a role she valued deeply for the stability it brought and the opportunity to care for children in her community.
Debra was known for her love of cooking and her natural ability to make any space feel like home. She enjoyed the beach, music, films, reading, decorating, arts and crafts, and spending time with family. She also had a deep love for animals, especially birds, and found joy in the simple beauty of everyday life. She was adventurous at heart and embraced travel, festivals, and new experiences with enthusiasm.
At the center of her life was her family. Debra created a home filled with warmth, traditions, and constant love. Holidays were meaningful and full of joy, and even small everyday moments—sharing snacks, watching movies, or spending quiet evenings together—became lasting memories for her children and grandchildren. She loved celebrating birthdays, singing, dancing, and making the people she loved feel seen and valued. Her presence was steady, comforting, and unconditional.
Debra fought pancreatic cancer with remarkable strength and determination. Even during her most difficult days, she continued to show love, care, and concern for others before herself. Her resilience and grace left a lasting impression on everyone around her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; her children, Jared Anthony, Joshua Arvin, and Jenna Rae Reed; her son-in-law, Sean Reed; her daughter-in-law, Heather Kelly; her mother, Donna Uhl; her sister, Jackie Hearing; her brothers, Mark Uhl and Jeff Uhl; her grandchildren Sierra Sky Wanca, Gareth Kelly, Ian Kelly, Tristen Powell, Reign Reed, and Devin Reed; her great-granddaughter Amelia Wanca; twin granddaughters expected in June; and extended family members Eric and Jade, all of whom she loved as her own.
She was preceded in death by her father, Arvin Uhl, who passed in 2025.
A Vigil Service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a luncheon and fellowship from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel in Sioux City, Iowa.
Debra will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life was defined by love, faith, sacrifice, and deep care for others. Her legacy lives on through the family she built, the values she passed down, and the love she gave so freely every day.
