Deborah Kay Coulter

Deborah Kay Coulter

 Daughter

Sister

 Friend

Artist

 Horsewoman

Traveler

 Businesswoman

These are simply titles. No list of words can cover the complexity of Debbie’s personality, interests, and capacity for consideration of those around her.

Debbie entered our lives on July 2, 1952 in Grand Junction, Colorado, the daughter of Robert and Violette Coulter. Craig, her brother, and Donna, her sister, happily greeted her. Five months later the family moved to Durango, lived for a short time near Mercy hospital on east second, and then to the home on East Thirteenth Street, which remained her home for the remainder of her life.

Debbie’s life was filled with her interests. There was not a horse around that Debbie didn’t love by the time she was six. So riding and caring for her own two Arabian horses later were a prime pleasure, even if finding adequate pasturage throughout the area was a challenge at times.

Debbie had the ability to visualize places and animals she had seen and recreate them in her art. Her painting, knitting and needlework won a number of blue ribbons at the county and state fairs.

Another joy was that Debbie loved to travel. She rode the Silverton train many times over the years. The train was a connection to the history of the development of this part of Colorado as well as a trip through beautiful scenery. She also enjoyed exploring the remainder of the west with Donna and their mother. Then there were the cruises that took her to Paris and Sweden as well as the Parthenon in Greece.

Debbie graduated from Durango High School in 1970, and from Fort Lewis College with a double major in English and Math in 1974. Shortly after graduation, she had a position in the accounting department at Tamarron. Then for 35 years she graced Pat Murphy Motors; first as bookkeeper and accounting manager, when they were located on East Second Avenue. As the company grew, moved to Bodo Park and later merged with Morehart Chevrolet she grew also, efficiently overseeing the transitions. She retired in December, 2023.

Debbie is missed. However, Deborah Kay Coulter was like a pebble thrown into a pond. The ripples spread even the pebble is no longer visible. She will continue to be felt in the lives of all who knew her.