Deborah Kay Krueger (Wallace)

Debbie Krueger was born Deborah Kay Wallace in Texas City, Texas, on May 23, 1951. She passed away peacefully on the morning of June 1, 2025, at Adventist Health Hospital in St. Helena, California, with her daughter, Kristen, by her side. Her passing was sudden and unexpected, the result of a rattlesnake bite—as rare and remarkable as Debbie Krueger herself.

Debbie had been enjoying a beautiful morning doing what she loved—relaxing outdoors with a good book, a Diet Coke, and sunshine—at one of her favorite wine country retreats, surrounded by vineyards and close friends.

A lifelong educator, Debbie earned her master’s degree in education and spent her career as a dedicated elementary teacher and passionate school counselor in Texas. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, heard, and loved—especially children. Her home and heart were always open.

Debbie’s many passions included books and libraries, her grandchildren, her Texas heritage, and hosting warm, joyful gatherings for friends and family. She had a deep love for her community and an abiding faith that she lived with grace and humor.

She is deeply missed by her daughter, Kristen Douglas, of Palo Alto, California; her daughter Amanda Krueger in San Antonio, Texas; her two adoring grandsons, Peyton and Logan Douglas; her sister, Sue Beth Wilson; her many nieces, nephews, and extended family on both sides; her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Jean-Luc; her neighbors in College Terrace; her church family at First United Methodist Church in Palo Alto; her dearest friends in Texas and countless friends across the world whose lives she touched.

A memorial service celebrating Debbie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Palo Alto United Methodist Church. All are welcome.

To honor Debbie’s memory, we ask that you celebrate a life filled with compassion, curiosity, and connection. Debbie’s light will continue to shine in all who knew and loved her.

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