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Debra Jean (Gillett) Grouns of Powell passed away on Feb. 26, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 70 years old.
Debra was born on Jan. 6, 1956, in Powell, Wyoming, to Glenn and Barbara (Davis) Gillett. She attended Medicine Bow High School while living in Shirley Basin, Wyoming, where she met David Grouns. They married on June 21, 1975, in Casper, Wyoming. The couple had three daughters: Dusty Ellis, Emily Karst and Brandi Dearcorn. Debra loved being a mother, but her greatest joy came from her eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She traveled many miles and spent countless hours in bleacher seats watching them participate in their favorite sports, including wrestling, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, football and rodeo.
Debra and David retired in 2019 and moved to Powell to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Debra was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother, Fred Elgin Gillett.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, David, and their three daughters: Dusty (Branden) Ellis, Emily (Rusty) Karst, and Brandi (Casey) Dearcorn. Additionally, she leaves behind eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Chance (Emma) Karst and Lainey; Ty (Heather) Dearcorn, Kooper and Grayson; Taylor (Justin) Osmond-Roussan, Hadly, and Wrenlee; Reese Karst; Bo (Kristina) Dearcorn, Paisley; Tate (Abbi) Clutter; Sidney Karst and Jordyn Dearcorn. She is also survived by her brother, John (Julie) Gillett, as well as her nieces and one nephew.
A memorial service will be held at Thompson Funeral Home in Powell on Friday, March 6, at 1 p.m. A graveside ceremony will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell. A small luncheon will immediately follow the graveside service at the Elks in Powell.
