Debra Boatright

Debra Lyn Boatright

August 19, 1953 ~ May 21, 2021

Debra Lyn Boatright, 67, passed away peacefully at her home in Roy on Friday, May 21, 2021 after a long illness.

Debra was born August 19, 1953 in Ogden, Utah to Leland Joseph Bates, Sr. and Barbara Joan Nielsen, living most of her life in Ogden and Roy.

She graduated from Bonneville High School, received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Weber State University, with endorsements in Special Education and reading and taught for the Ogden City School District for 29 years. A special education professional, she specialized in teaching children how to read. Later in her career, she helped mentor new teachers. Debra was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 1996. At the conclusion, she ended her career in the classroom teaching 1st grade.

Debra enjoyed her membership and callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as Relief Society President and various primary callings.

Debra married the love of her life, John Phillip Boatright on November 27, 1975 in the Ogden Temple and they raised three wonderful children together.

Her hobbies and interests included needle point, flower gardening and traveling. She was always up for a road trip. She could often be found reading a book in her favorite chair, especially during the summer. Debra liked to support her family at special events and enjoyed watching her husband play softball. She absolutely loved spending time with her grandkids. She liked shopping and often enjoyed finding gifts for others while out and about. Debra loved Diet Coke and those who knew her best would often see her with one.

Debra is survived by her husband of 45 years, John Phillip Boatright; children, Mitch (Kristy) Boatright and their children Paige, Kate, and Lexi; Bethann (Paul) Mahnke and their children Amillya, Gavin, Lillyan, Wyatt, and Paisley; and Meghan (Carl) Gibson and their children Addisyn, Corbin, Ava, and Jackson, all of Roy; her brother, Carl (Penny) Bates of Clinton and sister-in-law, Roseann Bates of Hooper. Debra was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Leland Bates, Jr.

The family would like to thank the doctor and staff of Encompass Hospice for their loving and tender care of Debra.

Memorial contributions in her honor are suggested to the National Aphasia Association (https://www.aphasia.org/donate).

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd., Ogden. Friends may visit family on Wednesday, May 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lindquist Roy Mortuary, 3333 W 5600 S., Roy.

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