Deborah Kay Bridwell, 72, of Frontenac, passed away on September 23, 2023 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer. As she entered the Kingdom of God, she was surrounded by her beloved family, who shared beautiful stories about life with "Mema."
She was born April 13, 1951 in Pittsburg, KS, the daughter of Kenneth and Mable (Windsor) Kabonic. Debbie was a life-long resident of the Frontenac community. She attended Frontenac Schools K-12 and graduated with the class of 1969. Later that fall, she attended Pittsburg State University, where she was elected the President of her Pledge Class of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
On May 30, 1970 she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Dan Bridwell. He preceded her in death on May 19, 2010.
Together, they raised four beautiful children in a household that everyone could call home. Although they were married as "Dan and Debbie," they soon became affectionately known as "Mema and Ba" by their grandchildren and many others, whom they embraced as their own.
She worked in the office of the Kansas Gas Service for many years and later transitioned to working in the field as a leak surveyor. She retired in 2011.
Debbie served many years as a member of the Frontenac Education Foundation (Founding Member), Frontenac School Board, Frontenac City Council, United Way, March of Dimes, and Pittsburg YMCA Membership Drive. In addition, she volunteered countless hours for the Frontenac Youth League, PTO, Booster Club, and Meals on Wheels.
She is survived by her daughter, Danna Carson and husband Erik of Lenexa, KS; three sons: Doug Bridwell and wife Dana of Cheney, KS, Dennis Bridwell of Frontenac, and Darrin Bridwell and wife Tara of Frontenac; a brother Kenneth Kabonic of Ozark, MO; along with 10 grandchildren: Gage & Erika Carson, Malori, J.D. & Jaxon Bridwell, Sage & Alivia Bridwell, Nate Brown, Cale & Makena Bridwell; two great-grandchildren: Stella Bridwell and Bear Brown; and several special nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Dan, she was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, at Friskel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. on Friday, September 29, at Frontenac United Methodist Church. A luncheon will take place at Pallucca's Event Hall following the service. Private family interment will be at a later date at the Frontenac City Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.friskelfuneralhome.com. The family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to Frontenac Education Foundation. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Friskel Funeral Home, 230 E. McKay St, Frontenac, KS.
