Debra Lee McKay

Hamilton, OH – Debra Lee McKay, age 66, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, with her family by her side. She was the youngest of four children, two brothers Max and John and a sister, Sandy. Debra thoroughly enjoyed the thirteen-year difference in age from them as she grew up with her parents relishing the fact of “being an only child” and enjoying her parents all to herself.

Debra attended Beavercreek Schools where her father, Herbert McKay, was the assistant superintendent. Both parents, Lee and Herb, were very proud of their daughter in that she excelled in her classes, especially in her English composition classes as well as in her creative art classes where she showed much potential. These strengths would be the foundation of her business savviness in years to come. Debra furthered her education with an Associate’s Business/Commercial Arts Degree at Clark State College and a Bachelor of Business Administration at Barrington University.

Debra’s careers blossomed over the years. At the age of eighteen years, Debra was learning the ropes of educating pre-school children at the Discovery House Day Care Center in Dayton and loved it. From there Debra utilized her talents and held a staff position with the University of Dayton in their printing and design departments. WPAFB, OH was her next place of employment for five years. Debra was classified as a Secret Clearance Specialist and worked independently in document coding, research data, witness information and trial exhibits. Leaving the stressful world of government work, Debra turned to private caregiving as she always had a natural gift for reaching out to others. While working for Comfort Keepers of Kettering, Ohio, Debra became a personal caregiver to Mrs. Zubeck, who had a reputation for being difficult, but was befriended by Debra and became the topic of Debra’s published book, Mrs. “Z” and Me. Looking forward to working with her brother, Max, she took on the role for eight years as his Executive Assistant for Aqua Pure. Max valued her expertise and her caring nature with employees and customers.

Yes, Debra had a busy, busy professional life but she always found time to do things that brought her joy. For one thing, she loved “hanging out” with her friends and was usually “the life of the party” when it came to small or large gatherings. Cooking and baking were Debra’s pastime, too, as she would whip up a casserole or a plate of chocolate chip cookies to surprise others with a smile. In addition, Debra was so creative and had many “side” craft and health businesses that featured this talent, but when time, Debra enjoyed a fun night at the casino or at bingo…yes…Debra was a “Winner” in all aspects of her life.

No one looked at life more optimistic than Debra. She found that dwelling on things that she had no control was not healthy and so she turned to spiritual guidance for her life. She believed in “life energy” that gave one the ability to think and act in a favorable way. In addition, Debra was in tune with God and felt His presence and love every day. She would place Post-it notes throughout the house thanking God for all of her blessings and especially her health and her family.

God rest Debra Lee McKay’s soul as she was an awesome Caretaker of others. Debra leaves behind her loving siblings Sandra McKay Debicki, Max McKay, John McKay (deceased) and niece, Katy McKay.

The McKay family is grateful for all the attention and loving care that the staff, nurses, aids and volunteers gave to Debra in her time there. In appreciation, memorial donations may be directed to:

Hamilton Inpatient Care Center, 1010 Eaton Ave., Hamilton, OH 45013