Debra Blaness

Debra “Debbie “ Frances (Welsh) Blaness, 72, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, at The Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

She was born on June 11th, 1953, in Coffeyville, Kansas to Glenn F. and Frances E. (Nash) Welsh. She attended Garfield Elementary and graduated with the class of ’71 from Field Kindley High School. Debbie proudly completed her LPN degree from Independence Community College in 1984.

She married Scott Blaness in Coffeyville in April of 1983. They relocated to Mankato, Minnesota and made their home there until returning to rural Coffeyville in 2016.

Her early years were spent working at Western Publishing and Funk Mfg. as a forklift operator, machinist and welder. After earning her LPN and moving to Minnesota, Debbie established, owned and operated River Valley Group Homes. These four homes provided 24/7 care and support for special needs clients. Debbie loved her clients and treated them as family.

She is survived by her husband, Scott of the home; one son Shelby C. Vogt of Wann, Oklahoma; grandsons, Lincoln and Gage Vogt of Lenepah, Oklahoma; granddaughter, Shelby Sue Vogt of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; sisters, Denise (Bob) York, and Diane (Richard) George both of Coffeyville; brother, Buck (Barb) Welsh of Mosinee, Wisconsin; and aunt and uncle Sharon and Joe Ray along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Debbie was a die-hard KC Chiefs fan, unrelenting mushroom hunter and a proud deer hunter. She loved traveling, especially road trips on the back of Scotts Harley.

Friends may call on Friday, December 26th, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Honoring Debbie’s wishes cremation will take place following the visitation.

The family suggests memorials to The Journey Home; contributions may be left with or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family online, visit Debra’s memorial page at www.dwbfh.com.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.