Deborah Kraft

Deborah Joan (Chandler) Kraft May 14, 1961 – October 28, 2013 Debbie “Sis” (Chandler) Kraft passed away October 28, 2013 in Yakima as a result of a massive coronary suffered on October 24th. Debbie was an amazing mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend who will be tremendously missed by everybody whose life she touched. Born at Toppenish Memorial Hospital to Glen “Skip” and Diane (Wamsley) Chandler on May 14, 1961 (Mother’s Day) Debbie attended Toppenish Schools, graduating in 1979. She was active in 4H, AKC dog shows, Arabian horses, and rodeo throughout her formative years, including being Toppenish Pow Wow Rodeo Queen in 1979. She continued to support these activities throughout her life. Following high school, Debbie attended Washington State University, graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science / Animal Production Specialist, with minors in Spanish and Journalism. Immediately following graduation, she returned to the Yakima Valley, working as a private trainer for a local Arabian horse breeder. Shortly after, she began her career at Chandler Enterprises, first as a manager of a convenience store, then working in almost every capacity in the corporation, and eventually as co-owner with her brother Mike. Debbie married Rick Kraft in Yakima on March 12th, 1988, and they built their home and ranch in Zillah in 1990. Debbie and Rick were blessed with a daughter, Dallas Dawn, on October 13th, 1998. Deb loved being a mom and adored her Dallas. She was very active in supporting Dallas’ activities, traveling to horse shows, volunteering at her school and passing on to her daughter her love of all animals. Deb was an avid horsewoman and loved anything to do with riding and showing Arabians. She showed her beloved horses in Arabian Horse Association events throughout the Western U.S. and Canada, bringing home many ribbons and plaques for excellence. She took great pride in breeding, raising, training, and showing her own line of Half Arabians, this year winning Regional Top Five placings on the fourth generation of her breeding linage. A pillar in the Arabian Horse Club of Central Washington, Debbie held most chairs in the organization, including her current position as Vice President. One of her greatest joys was working on youth programs both locally and regionally, coaching the Region 5 Youth Judging team to U.S. Arabian Nationals several years. As an advocate for animals, Deb cared for literally hundreds of dogs, cats, birds, and horses – saving many lives and finding loving homes so that everyone’s life was enriched. She never passed a stray! When she had a chance, Debbie loved to bake and cook for a crowd. Debbie is survived by her husband of 25 years, Rick, their daughter, Dallas, her mother Diane Chandler (Toppenish), her step-mother, Judy Chandler (Zillah), and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Curt & Beth Chandler (Maple Valley) and Mike Chandler & Laura Terrazas (Moxee), as well as numerous aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Skip, and her grandparents, George & Gladys Chandler and Ray “Doc” & Louise Wamsley. Debbie was a strong woman who fiercely loved, protected and supported all members of her family – and you didn’t need to be related to be family. Many, many people benefited from her generous and loving nature, as well as her willingness to help, giving 110% of her efforts. She will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at the Toppenish United Methodist Church, followed by a potluck reception at the Toppenish Eagles from noon to 4:00 p.m. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Dallas Kraft Scholarship Fund held at Central Valley Bank. Deposits can be made at any of the local branches or at any Heritage Bank in the Portland/Seattle area. Finally, we would like to thank the two wonderful men who stepped forward to perform CPR at the Kittitas Shell Station, as well as the extraordinary professionals at Kittitas Fire & Rescue, Kittitas Valley Hospital, and the Yakima Regional Medical & Cardiac Center for their valiant efforts on Debbie’s behalf and their kind and compassionate treatment of her family and friends.

Deborah Kraft

May 14, 1961 - October 28, 2013

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Deborah Kraft

May 14, 1961 - October 28, 2013

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