Obituary: Debra Esther (Timonen) Smith

Debra Esther (Timonen) Smith, 55, of Proctor died peacefully July 6, 2021, at Inter-Faith Care Center in Carlton after a brief battle with uterine cancer. Deb was born in Moose Lake, the daughter of Raymond and Mary Timonen.

Deb grew up in Carlton and graduated from Carlton High School in 1984, and attended Bemidji State University. She was employed for the past 22 years at Kindred at Home as a care team coordinator, and had previously been employed with Vaydich Enterprises and Kmart.

Deb was joined in marriage to Scott Smith in 2001, and they made their home in Proctor. Together they enjoyed many years of camping at Bent Trout Lake Campground. Debbie was an avid Vikings fan, loved to shop, decorate for the holidays, and wear red lipstick.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Deb is survived by her siblings, Jane (Randy) Willie, Barb Hickey and Gary Timonen; nieces, Andrea Hickey and Jenna Willie; nephews, Dan (Abby) Willie and Nathan (Kim) Hickey; stepchildren Eric (Melissa) Smith and Tanya Smith; and stepgrandchildren Ethan and Eli Smith.

Deb’s family would like to thank the staff of Essentia Health, Miller Dwan Medical Center, Inter-Faith Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for the loving care she received.

Please join Deb’s family as we remember and celebrate her life 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 17 at the home of her sister, Jane Willie, 1906 W. Chub Lake Road in Carlton. Please bring a chair, rideshare, and dress casually. Wear your Vikings gear!

Cards and letters may be sent to Jane Willie, P.O. Box 505, Carlton MN 55718.