Debra Whitaker Obituary

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Debra Whitaker of Gardner, Kansas, who passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 71, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Debra Whitaker to show support.

She was predeceased by: her parents, William Sturm, Sr. and Helen Sturm (Kanngiesser); and her brothers, William Sturm, Jr. (Debbie) and Gary Sturm (Karen). She is survived by: her husband James Whitaker of Gardner, Kansas; her daughters, Jemiah Whitaker-Thompson (Joel) of Omaha and Tessa North (Chris) of Olathe, Kansas; her grandson William Thompson; and her siblings, Claude Sturm of Emporia, Kansas, James Sturm of Emporia, Kansas, Sandra Kircher (Robert) of Lawrence, Kansas and Denise Sturm-Cobblah (Asiedu) of Sedalia, Missouri..

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be given to local Books on Wheels programs.