Debra Kay Herzog

POCATELLO a�" Debra (Debbie) Kay Herzog, 50, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at a local care center.

She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 25, 1957, to Cloyd and Merrilyn "Kay" (Dickey) Herzog. The family moved to Seattle and Bellevue, Washington in 1959. They moved to Huntington Beach, California, for 10 years, and then to Fountain Valley, California for 22 years. In September of 1992, they settled in Chubbuck, Idaho. It was in southern California where Debbie received her education at various schools for the mentally challenged. She graduated from Wintersburg High School District Guidance Center in June 1980.

Because of her athletic abilities, Debbie loved to compete in Special Olympics. As a gymnast she was chosen to compete in two State Summer Game events, UCLA-Berkeley and UCLA-Los Angeles. Bowling became her favorite event, and she was chosen to compete in the national games in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During the Winter Games she competed in downhill skiing at Echo Summit (Lake Tahoe), and was on national television with John Denver a�" a real thrill for her! After moving to Pocatello, Debbie quickly became involved in bowling. She made many friends at Pine Bowl in the Saturday Special bowling league. She also had numerous jobs in the Pocatello area which included working at the Red Lobster restaurant and the AmeriTel Inn.

Debbie was a very happy and loving young lady who always had a friendly smile and hug for all she met. Along with her big, loving heart, she also had a great sense of humor. Debbie also liked the outdoors. She loved fishing, camping and travel in our motor home. Other Special Olympics events she competed in California and Idaho were track and field, swimming, equestrian and floor hockey. She lived her life according to the Special Olympics motto, "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Debbie is survived by her father, Cloyd Herzog, Chubbuck; her sister, Linda Feltenberger, Sun City, California; niece, Renee Tursini, San Diego, California; nephew, Jake Feltenberger, Murrieta, California; Uncle Dick and Aunt Jeanne Herzog, Cleveland, Ohio; Uncle Wayne Ruffridge, Chubbuck; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Kay Herzog and Aunt Barbara Ruffridge.

We wish to thank Debbie's many friends for their love, support and companionship. As Debbie would say, "That made my day." You all made her day in so many ways. Thank you a�" thank you a�" thank you. We would also like to express our appreciation to Hillcrest Haven and the wonderful staff and caregivers who made Debbie's last 10 months of life a pleasant and stress-free time. Debbie says," Thanks, too."

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 21 at 11 a.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. The family will receive friends on Friday evening, June 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday one hour prior to services at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.

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