DEBORA MARQUISS SCHMIDT

Nov. 23, 1959–March 21, 2025

Debora Lynn Marquiss Schmidt was born on Nov. 23, 1959, in Newcastle, Wyoming, to Robert F. Marquiss and Katharine A. Schulze Marquiss.

Debora attended Casper College, where she earned her associate’s degree, and later the University of Wyoming, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1984.

On June 27, 1980, she married the love of her life, Jeffrey W. Schmidt, in Newcastle. Their journey together took them from Rapid City, South Dakota, to St. Louis, Missouri, before they ultimately settled in the beautiful city of Poway, California, in 1991.

Throughout her life, Debora took on many roles with dedication and heart. She worked as a receptionist at a retirement complex in Rapid City, a preschool teacher in St. Louis, and later in retail for seven years after moving to California. She then became the first commuter coordinator at the growing campus of California State University San Marcos, where she spearheaded the alternative transportation program — an initiative that earned recognition as the Best New Program from the San Diego Association of Governments. After 19 years of service, she retired due to illness.

Beyond her professional achievements, Debora had an adventurous spirit and a deep love for the outdoors. She and Jeff embraced life together through camping, backpacking, kayaking, biking, and hiking. She found peace in the ocean, where she enjoyed swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Their shared passion for travel took them to remarkable destinations, including France, China, Norway, Finland, Jamaica, Belize, and many places across the United States.

Debora is survived by her devoted husband, Jeffrey Schmidt of Poway; her sister, Cheryl Carr, and brother-in-law, Ken Carr of Casper, Wyoming; her brother, James Marquiss, and sister-in-law, Sandra Hill Marquiss of Loveland, Colorado. She also leaves behind a cherished extended family, including 29 nieces and nephews, many grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as well as beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She will be remembered for her kindness, adventurous spirit, and the love she shared with those around her.

Debora will be laid to rest in the family plot at Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle. A grave side remembrance service is planned for July 5, in the afternoon. Afterward, the family will host an informal gathering at Weston County Senior Citizen Center.

Please do not send flowers. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Preserve Wild Poway, a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding land, to which Deb was very devoted. Information at PreserveWildPoway.org.