Debra “Debbie” Rose Buitenhuis (nee Ames) Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Debra “Debbie” Rose Buitenhuis (nee Ames)

April 16, 1955 - May 13, 2025

Obituary For Debra “Debbie” Rose Buitenhuis (nee Ames)

Debra “Debbie” Rose went to be with her heavenly father on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Debbie was born in Grande Prairie, AB and grew up on the family farm near Bezanson, AB. She attended the Bezanson elementary school and then Sexsmith for her high school years. After Debbie graduated, she took a keypunch data operator course in Edmonton, AB, and began working at Prairie Computing. After being a stay-at-home mom, she worked at the QEII Hospital in the systems department for over 20 years. Debbie went on long term disability in 2009 and was diagnosed in 2011 with early onset Alzheimer’s.

In 1975, Debbie’s friend Marg Fraser (Thibault) set her up on a blind date with John. Debbie and John married in 1978. They were then blessed with three children and later, seven grandchildren. Debbie loved to travel, shop, tend to her flowers and garden, and was active in sports. She played and coached volleyball and was a scorekeeper for GP Pride fast ball games. She was also a part of the group that started the GP mixed volleyball league. Debbie loved to exercise and go for walks, teaching her hubby to walk fast – no leisure walks. She also attended the Grande Prairie Alliance Church.

Memorable travels took Debbie and John to Hawaii, California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Panama, as well as many family visits to Thunder Bay.

Debbie is survived by her husband John; son Ryan (Chantel); daughter Angela (Mike) Mohr, grandchildren: Kendyl, Dawson and Rya; daughter Lisa (Greg) Breukelman, grandchildren: Nora, Parker, Zoe, and Rosie; brothers Ken and Tom; brothers and sisters in-law Bert and Lydia Buitenhuis, Jenny Tuuttila, Gary Prezio (Sue), Henrietta and Ed Breukelman, Anita and Ross Smith; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

She was predeceased by her parents Don and Rose; John’s parents Jan and Henny, as well as her sister-in-law Irene Prezio and brother in-law Eero Tuuttila.

Special thanks to the staff at Prairie Lake that cared for Debbie in the last six years, as well as the caregivers that helped look after her at home.

A Viewing will be held at Oliver’s Funeral Home on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 6:00-8:00pm. The interment will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:00am at the Glen Leslie Cemetery (RRd 40, Bezanson), with the Service and luncheon to follow at 11:00am at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005 107 Ave. Grande Prairie).

A Recording of the Service will be posted after the service to the Oliver’s Funeral Home website on Debbie's obituary in the Photos/Video Tab.

Photos & Video

Videos

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

May 27, 2025

Ria and Jim Millwater

Our sincere condolences to you John on the loss of your lovely wife. May you and all your family be tenderly comforted by God.
May 20, 2025

Janice Matvichuk

I cherish the great memories growing up on the farm across the road from Debbie, Ken & Tom. Us 5 kids played back & forth almost everyday and rode bikes and celebrated Christmas and birthdays with our families. . . the best times. Rest in peace now Debbie. Janice Matvichuk (nee Thompson)
May 20, 2025

Donna K.

The world will be a little dimmer without her bright light. 🦋💕🦋
May 20, 2025

Dick and Faye

Our deepest condolences John to you and your family...🙏 Dick and Faye
May 19, 2025

Fern Mohr and Dave Skinner

Sincere condolences John and Ryan Chantal, Angela Mike Kendy Dawson Rya, Lisa Greg Nora Parker Zoe Rosie, Ken and Tom Bless you all! Fern Mohr and Dave Skinner!
May 18, 2025

Marlene Blimke

My sincere sympathy to John and Family at this difficult time.
May 17, 2025

Marilyn Downton

Dear john and family we are saddened to hear of Debbie's passing. She was a wonderful and caring person. Sending love and hugs to all. Sincerely Marilyn & Bruce Downton.
May 17, 2025

Valerie Woods

I worked with Debbie in the QEll systems department. She greeted everyone with a smile in the morning, and when Debbie smiled, she smiled with her eyes, too! I will always remember Debbie for the warm and caring person that she was - - - an absolute pleasure to be around. My sincerest condolences. 🌈💐
May 17, 2025

Valerie Woods

I worked with Debbie in the QEll systems department. She greeted everyone with a smile in the morning, and when Debbie smiled, she smiled with her eyes, too! I will always remember Debbie for the warm and caring person that she was - - - an absolute pleasure to be around. My sincerest condolences. 🌈💐
May 16, 2025

Dale Springham

Sincere condolences to John,and family, from Michele and Dale Springham.
May 16, 2025

Randy/Tammy Cramer

Our sincere condolences John As is written about her she was a very gentle kind woman May The comfort of Christ be with you all Randy and Tammy Cramer
May 16, 2025

Barbara Campbell

What a beautiful woman with a gentle soul. We got to know Debbie & John through Lisa's kindergarten days at Avondale School. Debbie was always smiling, friendly & genuinely interested in how people were doing. The last time I visited with her was in Mazatlan when she & John had a vacation there. Our hearts are with John and Family who have been supporting Debbie through her illness. Thankful that she is at peace now with her loved ones in heaven. Ian & I are thinking of you 💜
May 15, 2025

Janet Gummer

Sincere sympathy to all of you. 🙏❤️
May 15, 2025

Marie Johnson

I interacted with Debbie when she worked in the QEII Systems Department. Debbie was the most personable, kind, knowledgeable person I had the pleasure of working alongside in my career. My condolences to Debbie's family for a life lost way too soon.
May 15, 2025

Mary Krahn

So very sorry for your loss John and family. Debbie was so sweet and classy lady. It was an honour to have known her. Rest with Jesus 💔

Useful Links

Add Your Useful Link

We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our Obituaries. We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

Your Name:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Business Name:
Description of Useful Link / Service:

Obituaries