Debra Jean Daniels passed away on January 9, 2026, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Early Life
Debbie was born on June 15, 1954, in Driggs, Idaho, the third child of Grant and Reta Daniels. She was raised in Driggs until just before her freshman year of high school, when her family moved to the Antelope Valley. There she developed a deep love for farming and ranching alongside her father and enjoyed riding horses, rodeoing, softball, and track.
Debbie graduated from Butte County High School in 1972. During high school, she became a national champion barrel racer and held multiple state records in track and field. Though small in stature, she excelled at hurdles and was known for her speed, strength, and determination. Her athleticism carried into every part of her life, from farm work to raising her family. She loved barrel racing, goat tying, cow cutting, cheerleading, drill team, and softball—where her favorite position was shortstop. On February 19, 1972, she became engaged to her sweetheart, Keith Waddoups.
Marriage & Family
Debbie and Keith were married on December 22, 1972, in the Leslie Church in Leslie, Idaho, and were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. Shortly after their wedding, they packed their belongings into their Oldsmobile Cutlass and drove east to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where Keith was stationed in the Army. There, they welcomed their first daughter, Sarah Faye.
In March 1977, Debbie, Keith, and Sarah returned to the Lost River Valley to help Keith’s father on the farm. Soon after, they welcomed their second daughter, Jeannie, followed by three sons: Danny, Lake, and Blair. While raising her children, Debbie worked tirelessly alongside Keith—moving pipe, baling hay, driving spud trucks during harvest, and working cattle. She often took her children with her to the fields before they were old enough for school. She also devoted many years to coaching church volleyball and softball teams.
Work & Service
Later in life, Debbie’s love for children led her to open her own daycare, where she cared for many children in the Lost River Valley for eight years. She then became the local mail carrier, a role she truly enjoyed, visiting with neighbors as she delivered mail throughout the community. Debbie retired from the United States Postal Service in 2012, though she continued helping on the farm and caring for her grandchildren.
Later Years & Traditions
In their later years, Debbie and Keith enjoyed traveling together, shopping across the desert, visiting Sarah and Chris at their shop, and going out to dinner. They loved riding horses and exploring the hills in their side-by-side. Christmas Eve family dinners were a cherished tradition, lovingly continued by Debbie and her siblings.
Those Who Preceded Her in Death
Debbie was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Waddoups, and her parents, Grant and Reta Daniels.
Survived By
She is survived by her children: Sarah Hymas (Chris), Jeannie Waddoups-Hamm, Danny Waddoups (Zeeni), Lake Waddoups (Dana), and Blair Waddoups (Maria); 14 grandchildren; her sisters JoAnn, Jackie, and Sally; and her brother Greg.
Services
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Moore Idaho Stake Center, 3100 N. 3350 W., Moore, Idaho.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.
Interment will be in the Lost River Cemetery, under the care of Anderson Family Funeral Home.
A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person. Opportunities to share photos and memories will be provided through the online service page.
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