Debra Schmidt, long time resident of Rocky Ford, passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at the Pike's Peak Hospice Center in Colorado Springs. Known by family and friends as Deb, she was born in Washington, D.C., but came to Colorado as an infant.

Deb attended Rocky Ford schools and graduated valedictorian of her class in 1967. She first went to New Mexico St. Univ. for one year before transferring to Colorado St. Univ. where she graduated with a degree in physical education. She was then hired as the girls' PE teacher at RFHS. She taught many years in high school and at Liberty Elementary. Besides teaching and coaching, she often helped tutor struggling students, especially in math which was a subject she loved.

Retirement gave her more time to pursue her hobbies of fishing, playing bridge, and sewing cloth crafts which she often sold at craft shows throughout the state. Deb always loved to swim and won many honors with RF Blue Marlins swim team, and later at a collegiate level. She also coached, taught swimming, and worked as a lifeguard during many summers at Rocky Ford swim pool. She was also very active throughout her life in St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rocky Ford.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Shirley Schmidt. She is survived by her siblings Cindy (Fernando Melón) Schmidt of Madrid, Spain, Jim (Judy) Schmidt of Fort Collins, and Lisa Schmidt of Parker, nieces and nephew, and grandnieces and nephew, an aunt, and many cousins.