Deborah Lynn Kaps

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Deborah Lynn Kaps, of Sibley, Missouri, passed away on June 15, 2026. Following a long battle with dementia, Debbie passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her devoted husband and loving children. She was 69 years old.

Debbie was born in Milton, FL where her father was stationed while serving in the United States Navy. Eventually the family moved to Independence, MO, where she spent most of her childhood and attended Truman High School. In 1982, she married Robert Kaps with whom she raised four wonderful children. While her kids were young, Debbie had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom while working part-time jobs to help provide for her family.

In 1991 the family moved to Wellington, MO and started an in-home bible study group. That small but faithful gathering laid the foundation for what ultimately became a full-time calling into the ministry for Debbie and Robert in 1993, when they established Heart of God Fellowship.

For many years, Debbie stood beside her husband as a pastor's wife, a role she never believed she was fully qualified to fill. She often felt that others were more gifted, more eloquent, or more suited for such a calling. Yet what she lacked in confidence, she more than made up for in authenticity, a love for people, and a devotion to her faith.

Though she never sought attention or recognition, her life became a testimony of God’s ability to work through willing hearts. She prayed faithfully, worked diligently, and fiercely loved those around her. Whether giving advice or counsel, or simply conversing with loved ones, she spoke from her heart with direct honesty. The truth of her life’s actions taught us that ministry is not measured by titles or platforms, but by faithfulness, love, and service.

In addition to numerous extended family members, Debbie is survived by her step-mother, Linda Speer; three brothers, Randy Speer, Mike Powers and Randy Powers; her sister Pam Speer; her husband, Robert; her children Bobby, Eric, Melissa and Angela, and their spouses Samantha, Cyrena and Chris; as well as her six favorite people – her grandchildren, McKenna, Chloe, Emory, Austin, Mason and Ellis. She was preceded in death by her mother Kay Dake, and father, Norman Speer.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 20, at Heart of God Fellowship in Buckner, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. with the memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, there will be a meal served and a time of fellowship. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to your favorite ministry or charity in Debbie’s name.