Obituary of Debra Rae Neujahr

No Visitation is planned Debra Rae Neujahr May 13, 1950 – August 28, 2009 Debbie Neujahr, a loving and generous mother, grandmother, sister, friend, passed away too early in life, but peacefully and gracefully due to the effects of Lou Gehrig ’s disease / ALS. Debbie was born in Corvallis, Oregon, oldest daughter of John “Bud” and Betty (Baker) Carpenter. She grew up in Junction City, Oregon with her brother Jerral (Jerry), and sisters Terri Barrett and Pam Fiske. She graduated from Junction City High School in 1968 and Lane Community College Dental Assisting Program in 1969. She married Rich Malpass Jr., and raised their three children, Angela Westling (Mark), Amy Taber (Mike), and Jason Malpass in Olympia, Washington. Debbie married Terry Bayer in 1985. Debbie worked as a Dental Assistant, volunteered in her children’s school, and transitioned her career to Business Administration working for a variety of Assisted Living centers. She married Ted Neujahr, DMV in 1997, residing in Eatonville, WA later returning to Olympia. She is survived by her brother and sisters, three children, and her four grandchildren, Tyler Taber, Abigail Westling, Jordan Taber and Garrett Westling, as well as her grand-dog, Bronx . She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Ted Neujahr, and son-in-law, Mike Taber, joining them as our Angel in Heaven. A strong advocate for volunteering, she was actively involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Thurston County, serving on the Board of BBBS. She was a member of the Junior League of Olympia working with the Kids Count, Membership Development and Community Program committees. Always enjoying time with children, she worked as a Para educator in many of the Olympia area schools. Debbie enjoyed spending time with her family, especially at her Herron Island cabin, traveling to sunny locations such as Hawaii, Mexico, Arizona, and Greece. She took pleasure in scuba diving, scrapbooking, and crafting, but most importantly, volunteering. Debbie requested that, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Thurston County. Donations can also be made to MDA /ALS. You may leave memories and condolences by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.