In Loving Memory

Deborah “Debbie” Lynn Jones

7/2/1954 — 4/27/2026

Partnered-Hearts

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Deborah “Debbie” Lynn Jones (Beckett), age 71, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, passed away on April 27, 2026. Debbie was born on July 2, 1954, in Sacramento, California, and passed peacefully after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s and Scoliosis.

Debbie grew up in California, with a short stint in Phoenix, Arizona, alongside her mom and dad. She graduated from Ventura High School and loved the simple joys of her younger years—days at the beach, roller skating, and bowling.

For many years Debbie worked as the manager of Fashion Barn, where she loved working side-by-side with her best friend, Cindy. Later, she poured her heart into caring for children through her in-home daycare business, which she ran for more than 20 years. Her patience and steady kindness made families feel safe, supported, and truly cared for.

Debbie married Mel Jones in Las Vegas in 1972. Together they built a life centered on family. She was the proud mother of Jennifer Sato, Danielle Galbreath, and Tracy Valencia, and the loving grandmother of Kailey Sato, Yuji Sato, Evan Galbreath, Brenda Valencia, Brody Valencia, and Alex Galbreath. Debbie and Mel lived in Aloha, Oregon for more than 40 years before moving to Arizona this past September. Her favorite moments were family gatherings—especially when all the kids could be together.

Debbie will be remembered as sweet, kind, and patient. She enjoyed reading, going for walks, and spending time at the beach.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Mel Jones; her children, sons-in-laws, grandchildren and many dear friends.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday 05/05/2026 at Bunker Family Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

A reception will be held afterward at the Sato residence, 20925 E Via Del Oro, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

Flowers may be sent to Bunker Family Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

Debbie’s gentle spirit and unwavering love shaped her family in ways that will last for generations.

We will miss her every day—her warmth, her steady presence, and the quiet ways she showed her love—and we will carry her with us always.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Service Details

Gatherings in remembrance

Funeral Service

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 · 1:00 PM

Bunker Family Garden Chapel
33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, 85201

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Sheri May 5, 2026

The first time I laid eyes on Debbie, I fell in love. She was the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen and she was my sweet little niece visiting from Cape Cod. Her father was an airman so she got around. Born in Sacramento, a couple of years on the Cape and then to Phoenix where they lived until she was about 10. I spent Summers there with them and my other sister, niece and nephew. There were only 7 years between us and we had the best times camping at Oak Creek, swimming, playing cards, and reading. She was an avid reader from the first grade on. They moved back to Southern California when Deb was around 10 where she got to be closer to her grandma's and her favorite aunt. We loved going to the beach, Disneyland, and Pacific Ocean Park. Later she would tease me mercilessly when I started dating and I returned the favor a few years later. When my wild teenage years got the best of me I lived with them for a few years and we were like sisters. She was very nurturing even then and helped me with my young son, watching him while I worked and reading Br'er Rabbit over and over. Later on we raised our young families together, her first daughter and mine being 9 months apart. She was always there for me to talk to, to go shopping with, to cry with. When she, Mel and the girls moved to Oregon life went on. We didn't see each other or talk as much, but we still enjoyed a close relationship discussing favorite books, kids, dogs, etc. She was such a loving person and someone you could always count on. I will miss her gentle spirit. My condolences to her daughter's, son-in-laws, grands, and her loving husband Mel. My heart is breaking along with yours

Joanne May 5, 2026

Dear sweet Debbie. You will be missed forever. You will never be forgotten, may you now rest in eternal peace. Amen

Kenny Martin May 5, 2026

I'm not going to lie, when mom called that morning it really knocked me back. I'd recently decided I was just going to rent a car to come down because my truck's keep alternating breaking down. I read the obituary and I heard Debbie in my head say "Ventura High School? I graduated from Buena!"

Debbie Lister May 3, 2026

I am so very sorry for the loss of Debbie. This is so sad that we did not make a better effort to stay in touch. Debbie was my next door neighbor when we lived in Aloha on Blanton. The kids were always playing and then finally Debbie and I met outside while working in the yard. So we started talking and she said to me laughing that she knew my kids names before they met them because when they were out back I was always yelling their names to make sure they were ok😊 That was the start of a beautiful friendship plus she started babysitting my Joey and Katie all the way thru elementary school I believe. She was the kindest person I knew and I have so many happy memories of her and Mel and the girls. I truly do Love you Mel, Jennifer, Daniel, Tracy and all your families. May God Bless You all. Love, Debbie Lister

Cindy Vargas May 2, 2026

We will miss Debbie so much. She was such a sweet person. We have so many happy memories with Debbie and her family. I hope those happy memories help get all of you through this difficult time.

Holly Abbott May 2, 2026

Greg and I are so saddened to hear of Debbie’s passing, I know she leaves a big hole in many hearts. Take comfort that we are eternal beings and will meet again.

Becky May 2, 2026

I am so sad to hear about Debbie’s passing. My boys absolutely adored her and I knew just how loved they were in her care.

Greg Beckett May 2, 2026

We are so saddened by this news. Debbie will be missed . I have a lot of great memories of her.

❦

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Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation