Debra Jean Swayze

Our beloved Mother Debbie (Debra) Swayze passed away peacefully in her home on May 11, 2024 at the age of 63. Born in Astoria, OR. on April 5, 1961 to Jimmy and Pat Stephens (Swayze). She was a long time resident of Ukiah who graduated from Ukiah High School.

The oldest of three, she was adventurous, free spirited and lived her life on her own terms. Her career interest had started with Accounting where she worked as a Bookkeeper while raising her children on her own. She then spent several years managing local businesses and had served as the Store Manager of the local McDonald’s restaurants in Ukiah and Willits before she found her passion in Social Work, more specifically in being a Substance Abuse Counselor for 15 years.

Her passion in Social work was initiated after she found herself caught in the abyss of drug addiction. In true form, she began the fight to turn her life around in which she succeeded despite obstacles. Throughout her journey to sobriety, she was always committed to offering support and understanding to others who were going through similar struggles. As a testament to her perseverance she was often found participating in recovery meetings, sharing her journey and offering encouragement to fellow attendees. She then went on to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Humboldt State University and a Masters in Social Work from Adelphi – her most proudest achievement in her journey.

In the journey of life, some walk a path fraught with more obstacles and darkness than others and she had a passion to help them using her own life experiences, authentic compassion, and her education as an Alcohol and Drug Prevention Counselor. Her example of strength, resilience, and success provided a blueprint on how to live clean and sober. It was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment to have made an impact on countless lives throughout Mendocino County including local tribes and tribal people. With her ability to provide hope, tough love, and understanding, she deeply connected with others and shared a path to healing and recovery.

Her family is grateful for her dedication to more than 20 years of sobriety, as it allowed her to rewrite her story. As a highly respected substance abuse counselor, she dedicated most of her working career to helping countless people overcome their drug and alcohol addictions, many of whom became lifelong friends and admirers. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Debbie’s family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing. 

She is survived by her Mother Pat Arnold (Stephens), Brother Rick Swayze, Sister Karen Kennedy (Swayze), and Marty Swayze. She leaves behind her four children Amanda Ryan, Christina Myers, Jason Myers and Chesney Pinola. Her Grandchildren CJ Hamner, Bradley Ryan, Sebastian Novoa, Putaka Serna, Elliona (Jax) Torres, Elahno Pinola and Great Grandchildren Alder and Audry Hamner and a host of Nieces and Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her Father Jimmy Swayze.