Debbi was born into a military family and often referred to herself as a proud “military brat,” a background that shaped her resilience, adaptability, and deep sense of service. She was baptized at the age of 8 and raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where her foundation of faith first took root.
She married the love of her life, Dirk Scotten, on March 27, 1987, and for nearly 38 years of marriage, they were a beautiful example of what true love looks like—steadfast, devoted, and rooted in mutual respect. Together, they built a life grounded in family, faith, service, and community.
Debbi was selfless to her core and, in every sense of the word, a healer. It was her mission to leave everyone she met better than she found them. Whether through education, conversation, compassion, or natural remedies, people felt seen, understood, and restored simply by being around her.
She always rooted for the underdog and believed deeply in second chances. Debbi earned a degree in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Administration, and she used that education to advocate fiercely for those who needed someone to believe in them. She taught students with complex learning and behavioral needs and worked in alternative education, changing countless lives by seeing potential where others did not and refusing to give up on those who needed someone in their corner.
She loved to dance and lived for karaoke, lighting up the room every time she stepped up to the mic. Her signature performance of “Me and Bobby McGee” was legendary—delivered with soul, confidence, and a presence that made it feel like the song belonged to her.
Debbi knew how to have fun. She was active in several bowling leagues and enjoyed friendly competition. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, she earned 3rd place on the drums at the Harrah’s Rock Band Showdown in Kansas City, Missouri—a moment that perfectly captured her fearless spirit.
She also loved to travel, especially Las Vegas. Debbi knew all the hacks, the best specials, and how to make every trip count. A frequent flyer who mastered the art of traveling on Southwest Airlines points, she turned good deals into great memories and loved sharing her tips with others.
In 2004, Debbi and Dirk opened Boomers Roadhouse, a bar in Nevada, Missouri, which they operated until 2016. For more than a decade, Boomers was far more than a bar—it was a place where people felt welcomed, supported, and at home, and where Debbi’s gift for connection touched countless lives.
Later in life, after facing her own health challenges, Debbi found renewed purpose in healing others in a new way. In 2012, she opened Debbi’s Herb Shop, which experienced great success in Nevada. After selling the Nevada location in 2022, she later expanded to Webb City in 2023, allowing her to continue helping others through natural wellness and compassionate guidance until she became ill.
She loved her children fearlessly and her grandchildren even more. Whether it was football games, basketball, soccer, rodeo events, or everyday moments, she was always their biggest cheerleader—present, proud, and full of encouragement.
Despite the many challenges she faced throughout her life, Debbi was never a victim—she was a victor. She led by example, showing her children what strength, resilience, perseverance, and faith truly look like.
She never met a stranger. People were drawn to her and often trusted her with their struggles. Debbi always had an open ear, a gentle spirit, and—more often than not—a plan to help.
Her faith never wavered and served as the foundation of her life, guiding her through every season with grace and courage. On February 23, 2025, Debbi renewed her baptism in Harrisonville, where she attended Hope City Church—an outward reflection of the deep and abiding faith she carried in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, Alyson Lukenbill; her mother, Betty J. Spence; her father, Walter F. Hayes Jr.; her sister, Susan Geertson; and her brothers, Mark Hayes and Billy Hayes.
She is survived by her husband, Dirk Scotten; her children, Melanie Wiles and husband Kyle Wiles, Monica Linn and husband Ryan Linn, Marny Scotten and wife Jennifer Greenlee, Tommy
Scotten and wife Chelsea Scotten, and Derik Scotten and wife Hannah Scotten; her grandchildren, Dylan Coonrod and partner Jonathan Leach, Callie Weldon and husband Bryce Weldon, Kole Wiles, Taylor Frost and husband Jate Frost, JR Stratford, Jenna Linn, Jolie Linn, Mareus Mask, Hayden
Richardson, Tripp Scotten, and Rory Scotten; her great-grandchildren, Savvy Frost and Rae Frost; and her siblings, Bebo Harp and husband Terry Harp, Sharon Wolf, Alice Cook and husband Ben Cook, and Rick Hayes and wife Theresa Hayes.
Her life was a living testimony of love, healing, faith, and joy. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in every life she touched, every heart she healed, and every soul she encouraged.
Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16th, 2026 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Nevada Elks Lodge on Saturday, January 24th from 4-7:00 p.m. Private committal will be held at Moore Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials are suggested in her name to “Debbi's Kids” / Nevada R-5 Foundation c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
