Deborah Augustus Obituary

Deborah (Debbie, Deb) Sue Augustus Deborah, or Deb, as many called her, was tragically killed in a head-on collision involving an impaired driver on July 12, 2017 in Entiat, WA. Deb was an amazing mother to Hailey for 23 years (they shared the same birthday!) and soulmate to Shawn Lewis for over 27 years. Born November 23, 1968 in Ketchikan, Alaska, Deb completed the Augustus family by joining her parents, Myke and Kenneth (Gus) Augustus, brother, Eric, and sister, Staci. Raised in a Coast Guard family, we frequently moved, living in Orange County outside of Costa Mesa, California, Kodiak, Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, Astoria and Gearhart, Oregon, Juneau (again), and Sequim, Washington before once again returning to Juneau for the final time in 1983. As an adult, Deb lived in Juneau with a short stint in Fairbanks. Deb attended Juneau-Douglas High School before working at Deharts and Martha's Flowers for many years. During the years, Deb also worked at Miss Scarlett's Greenery and, eventually, Saint Paul's Catholic Church as the Youth Group Minister. Deb touched many young lives in a positive manner not only during her time at St Paul's, but also throughout her entire life. Deb was the trusted residential manager of the Thunder Mountain Mobile Park for years where she again, made many friends and used her unique sense of humor to make people smile. She also worked at Glacier Seafoods. Having known each other since middle school, Deb and Shawn began dating in their early twenties (1990) and, in 1993, their daughter, Hailey, joined the family. Debbie loved being a mom and Hailey was her pride and joy. Like Deb and her mom, Deb and Hailey also shared a close relationship built on unconditional love. In the fall of 2016, Deb and Shawn fulfilled a long time dream of Deb's and moved from Juneau to Entiat, Washington. Deb absolutely loved the area and was elated to be there. She and Shawn lived on the Entiat River, overlooking a beautiful forested scene with lots of wildlife. When they first pulled into Entiat, Shawn read the population sign out loud, "1250 People" and Deb responded with "Nope, 1252 now!" Deb worked at BJ's Shell Station and while she worked there for a relatively short time, she made a huge impact on her customers and coworkers. Gregarious by nature, Deb made deep and long lasting connections with people quickly, as evidenced by the outpouring of support the family has experienced from both the Alaska and Entiat communities. You could always count on Deb to say what everyone was thinking, but didn't have the guts to say! Deb had a special way about her, an ability to help people in the worst of circumstances, and was quite amazing at helping grieving friends. It was during the worst of times that Deb was at her best-supporting and loving whoever needed it. Deb was a fighter her whole life, ready to defend herself or family and friends with 100% conviction. In the last two years, she developed diabetes, had a brain aneurysm and received successful treatment, had a suspicious mass removed from her jaw with no after effects, and had her gall bladder removed. None of that deterred her, she was still ready to take on the world, and win! Her greatest passions in life included cruising in her car while listening to loud music, fishing, camping, beach combing, loving her family, and hanging out with friends. In recent years, Deb became a football fan, specifically, a Seattle Seahawks fan; she was thrilled to have attended several games in person. While she was taken from us way too soon, we know Deb is once again in the loving arms of her mother. Deb was truly a person who won't be forgotten. Deb is survived by Shawn Lewis, her daughter Hailey Lewis, father Kenneth (Gus) Augustus, sister Staci Augustus (and husband, Rob Austin), niece Kiera Messing (partner Theo Kennedy), brother Eric Augustus, and nephews Michael and Gaelen Augustus. She was preceded in death by her mother, Myke Augustus Austin, in 2000.
Condolences may be mailed to Shawn and Hailey Lewis, 18105 Apt. B, Entiat River Road, Entiat, Wa., 98822-9772.
A service will be held at St Paul's Catholic Church Saturday July 29th at 1:00 p.m., with reception immediately following at Lena Beach. Please bring a dish.
In memory of Deborah Sue Augustus, please don't drive impaired. Type a message.