Deborah Lynn Hendry

Deborah Lynn (Richards) Hendry passed away peacefully on Saturday morning the 26th day of April surrounded by her family, enveloped in love, Debbie took her final breath in the most beautiful way — with flowers placed lovingly around her and family holding her close. It was a moment of peace, and if you knew Debbie, you know she would’ve wanted it just like that. Deborah Lynn (Richards) Hendry, 71, born June 30, 1952, to Bernadine and Guy (Speck) Richards with those sparkling Richards blue eyes. She was the 11th child of 13 siblings. She attended school in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Bernadine and Speck Richards, two brothers, Melvin and Mike; and three sisters, Dixie, Maxine and Charlotte and her baby great grandson Kayven Herbert

Debbie is survived by her three sons Corey (Mandy) Richards, Kelley (Aliesha) Hendry, Heath (Kristen) Peterson, long term partner/companion of 27 years Denny Peterson and two brothers Buster (Jeanie) Richards, Max Richards, and five sisters Viola (Marvin) Foust , LaVonne (Mike) Divish, Janice (Mike) Brown, Sandy Richards Hetzler, and Renae Richards ; grandsons, Isach, Ryan, Cage, Gavin, Eli, Michael, Mike, Hudson, Titan, and Ace. Granddaughters, Mariah, Taylor, Hailey, Sydney, Makayla, Harley, Morgan, and Shaylynn. Great grandchildren Ashton, Ava, Aspen, Finnick, Taxyn, Josiah, Kaiah, Haislee, Remi, Willa, Forrest, and Kohen along with many nieces and nephews.

Growing up Debbie was known as one of the Northside kids, at a young age she knew how to stand her ground and take no BS from anyone, which carried on throughout her life. Debbie was a champion marble player as she would bring many of her winning's home from school. In addition, she had a great love for animals and adventure as she would ride the family horses exploring the world around her, always keeping her mom and dad on their toes. She learned how to be a superior cook and gardener from her mother.

After having her three boys Corey, Kelley and Heath, she planted her roots on the Northside just beneath her parents' place on the family farm, where her father and mother gave her a piece of property and set up a trailer to raise her boys. She continued to live there for the next 53 plus years of her life. Debbie loved fishing, camping at the local lakes, and riding horses all around the area. She enjoyed attending and being a part of local events in the community from the local fair, rodeos, horse races, and kicking up her heels at the street dances teaching her boys how to swing dance or to just plain shake it. Debbie was part of the Powder Puff Posse of Bonners Ferry; she would ride her horse weekly across the old bridge to practice at the fairgrounds and perform during rodeos. Debbie played softball for years with many of her friends in the local softball leagues. She enjoyed creating her unique and eccentric but beautiful flower beds that would always make a head turn as they drove by.

As life went on, Debbie started lending a hand in her community through volunteering at the local food bank, 4-H activities, the Head Start Program and various other places. She went on to accept the Lord into her heart when she was baptized by her youngest son Heath.

Debbie was always proud of her three boys and loved them deeply and raised them to be strong, loving, and caring men with perseverance. She is leaving behind a zest for life, a legacy of fun, boundless love, and unforgettable memories with her family and friends. If you ever crossed paths with Debbie, you never forgot her. She always had an uplifting spirit with a smile that showed through her sparkling blue eyes. She was the woman who could light up a whole room with her smile at any given time as she would always be asking others how they were doing.

In her grandkid’s eyes, Debbie was a grandma that was a little hippie, a little hillbilly, all heart-n-love, and unforgettable. Doing things with all her grandkids became her priority from fishing, riding horses, spa nights, birthday parties at Smith Lake, roasting hotdogs, sleepovers with the grandkids, talking and listening to them or simply giving bumble bee massages and having them fall asleep in her lap. She had a huge part in who they are today. She gave them permission to be themselves — loud, wild, stubborn, and full of love. She taught them to raise a little hell and stay full of heaven. She showed them that strength isn’t something to hide — it’s something to celebrate. Her hugs could fix anything, her words could cut through the chaos, and her love wrapped around you like armor. Her grandkids show the same love she spent her life pouring into others.

She will be missed. Especially the way she made you feel — seen, safe, and completely understood. Debbie’s spirit lives on in the chirping of birds, the flutter of butterflies, the bloom of flowers, and the wild laughter of her grandchildren and great grandchildren who carry her fire forward.

A Celebration of Debbie’s life with a gathering of stories and laughter will be held Saturday, June 21st at 1 p.m. at the Memorial Hall at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. All are welcome to attend and a potluck will follow.