Deborah Kay Layden

Deborah Kay Layden, age 69, of Blue Springs, Mo, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Prior to moving to Blue Springs, MO in 2019, Debbie resided In Lafayette, CO for 16 years.

Debbie is survived by her partner, Linda Holmes, and beloved child, Carly Cooper, sister, Beverly Shepherd, sister-in-law Patti Layden, niece Jenni (Gary) Panethiere, nephews Jeffrey (Brandon) Clouse, Jeremy (Ashley) Layden, Jonathan (Carlotta) Layden, Chris (Kristi) Layden, grandnephews, grandnieces and numerous cousins. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, James and MaryLou Layden, and brother, James Layden.

Born in Independence, Mo, on August 2, 1955, Debbie attended St. Mary’s grade school, Palmer Jr. High and St. Mary’s High School. She received a Bachelor of Education degree from NW Missouri State and taught physical education and psychology until her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis forced her to change careers. After receiving a master’s degree in social work at Kansas University, Debbie found her calling working in social work as a therapist and supervisor in Woodland Park, CO, Leadville, CO and Broomfield, CO. She thrived in helping individuals, families, and children with her no-nonsense, yet compassionate nature. Child welfare and advocacy was very important to her. Debbie’s MS forced her to leave the workplace with disability in 2004.

Debbie loved tending her roses, cooking and baking and was an avid reader of suspense and historical novels of WWII. She enjoyed a good card game, was an excellent pool player, and in younger years participated in many sports – alpine and cross-country skiing, soccer, volleyball and softball. Although slight in build and height, Debbie was an awesome shortstop, but her batting ability needed work!

Her family and friends would describe Debbie as being a strong, intelligent, caring, loving, sensitive, resilient and sometimes stubborn person with a great sense of humor. Debbie was a loving partner to Linda for 24 years and an awesome parent to Carly, whom she adored. She fought the MS battle long and hard to the end and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

There will be no service. A Celebration of Life will be held at her home in Blue Springs in the Spring and information will be conveyed on social media.