Deb began her life in North Platte, NE, on December 30, 1954, born to Ruth and George Hays. She was the oldest of four children who all attended and graduated from Douglas High School in Box Elder, SD. Deb lived in many places across the plains, Denver, CO; Gillette, WY; Spearfish, SD, and Faith, SD, before settling into her dream home on the corner of Douglas and Pine in Sturgis, SD. She worked diligently to decorate the home in her own mix of Victorian beauty and Country charm, with a dash of her favorite color, Burgundy.

Much like her favorite animal, Deb was a very busy rabbit. She was a dedicated bookkeeper who strived to ensure her clients were some of her closest friends. Her work was incredibly important to her and she enjoyed that it kept her jumping. Deb enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life including photography, crafting, floral arranging, sewing, home decorating and, nearest to her heart, motorcycle riding. Deb was a warm and caring person who opened her heart and her home freely, creating a very large extended family. She will be deeply missed by all.

Deb worked as a bookkeeper for many companies, including Rapid City Journal, Landstrom's Jewelry, and De Mersseman, Jensen, Tellinghuisen & Huffman.

Deborah "Deb" Jean Shumaker, a dedicated bookkeeper, died suddenly on October 7, 2016, while on vacation at the age of 61.

Deb is survived by her sister, Georgina Estes; brother, George Bradley Hays; sister-in-law, Georgia Brooks; niece, Crystal Boschet; niece, Shannon Allen; and niece, Jessica Brooks.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Hays and Ruth Braden; as well as her sister, Lorena Allen.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14th at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

The funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 2016, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor David Baer officiating.

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