Debra Lynn McNaney (Meadows)

Debra Lynn McNaney, 65, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home. Deb was born on October 11, 1953 in Des Moines, Iowa to John and Mary McNaney. She was a proud Eastsider, happily spending the majority of her life within minutes of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. She loved to play the penny slots even though the relationship was rarely reciprocal. She was a lifelong tree-hugging, patchouli-wearing advocate for peace and progressive ideals. She looked forward to the day that “legalize it!” would no longer be a necessary plea.

If you were lucky enough to spend a pay day with Deb, you could count on eating a good steak and living the day to the fullest, tomorrow’s responsibilities be damned. She had an enormously generous spirit, which did not stop when it came to spoiling her grand-pup, who’s now on a diet after years of shared snacks. She was employed by the VA as an ER Tech for many years and was always proud of her work there. When she wasn’t enthusiastically yelling at anyone who’d listen about the day’s politics, she enjoyed gardening and spending time in the sun with a Pepsi and a Marlboro always at her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary, and her beloved brother Pat, who she spoke of often in her final days. Deb is survived by her daughters Melissa (Keith) Brown and Megan (Jessie) Redhead, her grandson Kaden McNaney, who was her pride and joy, and her brother Mike (Karen) McNaney who was her lifelong protector. She is also survived by many other loving family members and friends including three nieces and one nephew. There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines beginning at 11:00 a.m.

In remembrance of Deb, her family asks that you take $20 to play your favorite penny slot or buy yourself a nice steak.

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