EMPORIA, Kan. – Deborah K. Colstrom, passed away early Monday, June 8, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor, in Emporia, Kan., with her daughter, Laura, by her side. She had been fighting her second round of breast cancer. Deb was born Sept. 15, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Robert and Lorene Owens Cobb.
She lived her childhood in Shawnee, Kan., and graduated from Shawnee Mission North Senior High School. She was a member of the Shawnee United Methodist Church.
She married Jerrald Dean Colstrom, July 22, 1972, in Shawnee. They lived in Osage City, Kan., until his death in 2009, after which she moved to Emporia to be closer to her daughter and family.
Deb worked in Kansas City for the U.S. Department of Labor after graduating from high school, and in Topeka for the U.S. Air Force, at Forbes Field, and the U.S. Postal Service after marrying Jerrald. She retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 2002, after 35 years of federal civil service. She also worked parttime at Holliday Resort as an office clerk following her move to Emporia.
Debbie enjoyed her family the most. She also enjoyed reading, sewing, and gardening including water gardens.
Debbie will live on in the hearts and treasured memories of her daughter, Laura Dawn Evins and husband, Josh, of Emporia; cherished granddaughter, Avery Evins, Emporia; brother, Robert Cobb, Kansas City, Kan.; and numerous extended families and a community of friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerrald; and her parents, Robert and Lorene.
Debbie will be cremated and placed next to her beloved Jerrald at Union Cemetery, Osage City. A service of remembrance will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 15, at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Osage City. The family will receive friends an hour prior to services at the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions can be made to Camp Hope, a summer camp in Emporia for kids with autism and that Avery attends, sent in care of the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.
