Debra "Deb" M. Longest

Debra “Deb” M. Longest, 70, of Dayton, IA, and formerly of Vincennes, IN, died Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Grandview Care Center in Dayton.  A private family inurnment will be held in Indiana at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge.  

Debra was born on November 5, 1953, in Vincennes, IN, the daughter of Vance and Esther (DeMars) Lay. In 1971, she graduated from Lincoln High School in Vincennes and furthered her studies at Vincennes University and the University of Southern Indiana, where she obtained her BA Degree. Throughout her life, Deb found joy in simple pleasures such as reading, looking after her cats and plants, indulging in gardening, and spending time with her dog "Pooh". Her nurturing spirit extended not only to people but also to her furry and green companions. In 2007, Deb retired from Generations in Indiana after many years of service as a Social Worker. 

Deb is survived by her daughter: Dawn Brown and husband Brad of Gowrie, IA; 3 grandchildren: Shaley Brown and boyfriend Nick of Polk City, IA, Lindsay Spain and husband Caleb of Waukee, IA, and Brianna Brown and boyfriend Angelo of Phoenix, AZ; 5 great-grandchildren: McKenna Hill, Brooklyn Brown, Brantley Yokem, Breah Yokem, and Ellie Spain; and 4 siblings: Mike Lay and wife Barbara of Florida, Joe Lay and wife Susan of Indiana, Cindy Fields and boyfriend Jimmy of Indiana, and Sherry Hamilton and husband Dick of Illinois.  She is also survived by her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Vance and Esther Lay; her son: Harley Joseph McCoy Jr.; and her brother: Kenny Lay.