Debra Sharon Metcalf, 71, Nevada, MO, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, March 20, 2025.   Debbie was born on December 26, 1953, in Nevada, MO, to Clifford and Josephine (DeWitt) Scotten.  She married the love of her life,  Michael Eugene Metcalf, on May 5, 1978 and they had 2 daughters.

     Debbie worked at the State Hospital for 30 years and retired, then found a new passion in education.  She taught at Bronaugh and Main Street Academy and found her home teaching at Sheldon School where she retired in 2016.  In retirement, she worked part-time at May’s Floral.

    Debbie was very active in her community with the Ralph V. Bobbett VFW Auxiliary, Nevada Elks Lodge, Nevada Chapter 53 Eastern Star, Vernon County 4-H and 4-H Clover Kids, as well as many other organizations.

     Debbie was a woman who wore many hats and that included wife, mother, teacher, confidante, but most importantly, friend.  Debbie did not know a stranger and found or made a new friend everywhere she went.  She will truly be missed by everyone whose life she ever touched.

     Debbie is survived by her husband, Michael Metcalf; daughters and sons-in-law, Tansy and Jason Friar and Jenny and Shannon Gayman; grandchildren, Orin Friar, Calvin Friar, Sammie Davidson, Mikey Metcalf; a sister, Donna (Mike) Sheets; and two brothers, LaVerne Scotten and CD (JoAnn) Scotten.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Josephine Scotten; mother- and father-in-law, Ellen and Chuck Oliverson; and sisters, Jeannie Francis and Shirley McClasky.

     Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Ferry Funeral Home, with Pastor Roger Beach  officiating.  Committal will follow at Newton Burial Park, Nevada.  The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Ferry Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Vernon County Youth Fair in c/o Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.