Debra Vae Engebretson Kent, 73

Debra Vae Kent passed away peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 24, 2022, after an extended battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure.

Debra Vae Buxton was born on July 20, 1949, to Bruce and Norma Jeane Buxton in Ewing, Nebraska. She moved to Montana in 1961, when she was adopted by her stepfather, John Engebretson.

Debby graduated from Flathead High School, later attending Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) when it was located in various buildings in downtown Kalispell. John, Norma Jeane and Debby lived in the “big house” on Third Avenue East in Kalispell before moving out to Swan River Road in 1973. Debby worked for Engebretson Gravel and later Billmayer Drilling.

In the 1980s Debby moved to Arizona where she met and married Thomas Kent. Tom and Debby were married for 40 years, until her passing. She retired from the Arizona Department of Transportation in 2018 and was actively involved with the High Desert Humane Society in Globe.

Debby enjoyed her summer trips to Montana, where she would spend many days in Glacier National Park taking pictures and exploring.

Debby was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Jeane Latzel, biological father Bruce Buxton and her adopted father John Engebretson. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Kent, of Globe, Arizona; sister Jami (Daniel) Erickson of Kalispell; along with her nephews Jake Andrews, Scott Andrews; her niece Marci (Zane) Brown; and her great-nephew Odin Brown of Kalispell; as well as cousins around the country.

There was no memorial service, per Debby’s request. In lieu of cards or flowers, donations may be made to the High Desert Humane Society in Globe, Arizona at 393 North Broad Street, Globe, AZ 85501, phone (928) 362-9961, or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA.)