Debra "Debbie" Clements

Debra Kay "Debbie" Newman was born on March 19, 1959 in Quinn, South Dakota, to Dwayne "Sonny" and Donna (Buhmann) Newman. Debbie was the oldest of four girls born to Sonny and Donna, followed by Dianne and twins, Janelle and Jeanine.

Debbie attended school and graduated from Philip High School in 1977. She then enrolled in business college in Rockford, Illinois, but decided her home was back in Philip. On October 14, 1978, she married Ernest "Mike" Clements at Our Redeemer Lutheran in Philip.

She started her career at the Philip Hospital while still in high school in 1976 during a bad storm and assisted in the kitchen until November 1979. Her first son, Luke Michael, was born in December 1979. Debbie then ran an in-home daycare for the next several years. During that time, the couple's second son, Kenneth Dwayne, was born in March of 1981. Debbie returned to work at the hospital in June of 1986 until December 2011, where she worked in laundry and then as a certified nursing assistant. Her third son, Caleb Paul, was born in August of 1991. Debbie began working for the United States Postal Service in 2008 until the time of her passing.

With a full-time career and a house full of rambunctious boys (including Mike), Debbie always found time for her cross-stitching. That hobby worked well until Caleb wouldn't stay out of her thread, which lead to many solved Sudoku puzzle books. She had a great love for Siamese cats, always having at least one until her health no longer allowed her to. She was always very involved in her church teaching release time and youth group for many years. Debbie took great pride in watching her boys grow up, playing high school sports and cheering Kenny and Luke on in dirt track racing in Rapid City. Her favorite memories were watching all of her boys participate in demolition derbies in the area. She had as much passion for it as they did. She always sacrificed anything to give her kids the world and was very proud of them. Debbie’s heart was most happy in recent years watching her grandkids learn and grow. She was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her next grandbaby at the time of her passing.

She never let a stranger be a stranger for long and was always making new friends wherever she went. She will always be remembered for her loving spirit, heart of gold, and contagious smile.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 38 years, Mike Clements; three sons: Luke (Trisha Gortmaker) of Bison, SD, grandkids, Alyx and Zane; Kenny (Erica) of Madison, SD, grandkids, Elliot and Rylan; and Caleb (Caitlyn) of Wagner, SD and grandbaby; her loving mother, Donna; her sisters: Dianne (Glenn) Parsons of Philip, SD and their three kids; Jeanine (Darian) Gray of Savage, MN and their two kids;and Janelle (Bruce) Brown of Aberdeen, SD and their four kids; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Dwayne "Sonny" Newman; nephew, Kirk Parsons; and father-in-law, Raymond Clements.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 11, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Ray Greenseth officiating.

Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Philip Ambulance Service, Philip Volunteer Fire Department, or the Cancer Care Fund through the Philip Hospital Auxiliary.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 423, Philip, SD 57567.

Service Details

VISITATION
5-7 with a prayer service at 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, September 11, 2017 - 2:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Ray Greenseth
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
“How Great Thou Art”
“Amazing Grace”
“A Mighty Fortress”
USHERS
Alvin Pearson - Bill Manke
PALLBEARERS
Luke Clements - Kenny Clements
Caleb Clements - Andy Fitzgerald
Warren Sweezy - Anthony Arampatzis
Mike Schultz - Dak Carley
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book

Flowers