Debra VanEtten

Debra June VanEtten, 66, of Kingston died peacefully Friday, March 11, 2022, at Health Alliance Hospital Broadway Campus, Kingston.

Born in Ellenville, she was the daughter of the late Gordon Elmond VanEtten and June Dell Nesbitt.
Debra was a creative and mercurial woman, who enjoyed events, and outings. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and needlepoint when she was young. She loved to attend church services and go for rides. She adored listening to music. One of her newest interests was playing the ukulele. She had great fun strumming her ukulele by the hour- and found it to be very relaxing.

She also loved visits and phone calls from family, and her most supportive family member was her older twin sister, Nancy.
She was well-cared for by The Arc Mid-Hudson for most of her adult life. The organization handled every aspect of her care, and the family is very grateful for their care, expertise, and professionalism.

Debra is survived by her brother David J. VanEtten and his wife Meredith VanEtten, of Wawarsing, her sister-in-law, Bonnie VanEtten of Kaysville, Utah, two nephews—Damon VanEtten (Amie) of Kaysville, Utah, and George Daniel VanEtten (Heidi) of Laramie, Wyoming, and one niece, Tammy VanEtten, also of Utah. She is also survived by several great nieces and nephews- Ashleigh, Christopher, and Lexie (Utah) and Tyler and Breanna (Wyoming.)

In addition to her parents, Debra is predeceased by her brother, Stephen VanEtten. Her twin sister, Nancy VanEtten also recently passed away on April 1, 2022.

A graveside service will be held for Debra at Pine Bush Cemetery, Kerhonkson, on Friday, May 6, 2022, at 11:00 am.

Simpson-Hammerl Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of Debra with the funeral arrangements.

Online condolences may be left for Debra by visiting www.SimpsonHammerl.com.

Contributions in Debra’s memory may be sent to The Arc Mid-Hudson, 471 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. Contributions may also be made online: arcmh.org, under Tribute gift.