DEBORAH McLELAND
May 18, 1951–Sept. 30, 2024
Funeral service for Deborah McLeland will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Church of Latter-day Saints-Stake Center, 1500 O’Hare Drive, Gillette, Wyoming, with Bishop Clark Sanders officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Church of Latter-day Saints-Stake Center.
Deborah “Debbie” McLeland, a cherished mother, educator, and devoted advocate for her community, passed away on Sept. 30, 2024, at the UC Health Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado.
Debbie was born on May 18, 1951, to Richard and Lucille Dumbrill in Laramie, Wyoming. The family later moved to Newcastle, Wyoming, where she attended public school and participated in band, choir, and home education.
After graduating from Newcastle High School in 1969, she went on to earn a degree in education (minor in library science) from the University of Wyoming in 1973. She worked as an educator from 1973 to 1975 before dedicating herself fully to being a loving homemaker and mother.
On June 6, 1971, Debbie married Charles “Jim” McLeland in Newcastle, beginning a family that would become the cornerstone of her life. They settled in Gillette, where they raised their children, Nathan S. McLeland, Morgan J. McLeland, and Ryan C. McLeland, with unwavering love, proudly watching each of them graduate from high school there. Debbie took immense pride in establishing a race/walk event in memory of Morgan, who died in a tragic accident near Laramie in 2001. The race honors Morgan’s memory by advocating against drunk and impaired driving.
Debbie’s interests extended beyond her family; she embraced the joys of travel, ranch life, music, and cheering at local sporting events. Her passion for her community was evident in her extensive involvement and commitment to always uplifting those around her. She was a member of the LDS Church, P.E.O., the Campbell County School Board, the Gillette College Foundation Board, and the Y.E.S. House Board.
Debbie is survived by her mother, Lucille C. Dumbrill; her brothers, R. Douglas Dumbrill and John C. Dumbrill; and her sons, Nathan and Ryan. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, JaNel Farnsworth Dumbrill; her daughters-in-law, Robbie McLeland and Kara McLeland; and her six grandchildren: Kaylee, Spencer, Breckin, and Charley, and Rooney and Augie.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her son, Morgan; and her father, Richard.
Debbie’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and generosity. Her unwavering dedication to her family and community has left an indelible mark on all who knew her, and her spirit will continue to inspire kindness and strength in those who follow her example.
A memorial has been established to benefit the following organizations: Y.E.S. House Foundation or the Gillette College Foundation.
Condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th St. Gillette, WY 82716, or shared online at gillettememorialchapel.com.