Deborah K. Fuentes, beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, niece, friend, aunt, and wife, passed away in the arms of her family on November 16, 2024 in Aurora, Colorado. She was firstborn to her loving family on September 22, 1961 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Carolene Wass and the late Robert Wass. Debbie was born at 11:45 PM and was named by her late father.

Debbie’s children – Ryan Fuentes, Lexi Fuentes, and Shannon (Fuentes) Cano Lee were the most important people in her life, and she did everything in her power to ensure their happiness and care. Debbie was more than just a mother to her children however, she was a shoulder that everyone could rest their head upon knowing full well they were in her tender care. Any trials or tribulations that someone faced, Debbie was always there to listen and help, always putting herself second to ensure the happiness of those who needed it. Any family, friend, co-worker, colleague, or simple stranger would agree there was no better person to have in one’s corner than Debbie.

Debbie Fuentes was more than just an inspiring woman, she was an icon whose reputation well preceded her; there was no such thing as a stranger to Debbie. She was an international star whose countless hours at Arabian Horse Association landed her and the organization on the map. Rather than simply attending the numerous events and meetings held by AHA, Debbie would create friends rather than colleagues. Armed with her camera, smile, charm, and conversation, Debbie moved mountains through words and kindness alone.

Debbie represented the pinnacle of selflessness, a Saint in both patience and love to all of those lucky enough to know her. She was an ideal, someone whose care could only be dreamt of.

Debbie is survived by a host of family that includes her three adoring children, Ryan Blaine Fuentes; Shannon Lee Cano; Alexis Christine Fuentes; beloved grandchild, Dallas Weston Lee Cano; all of Denver, CO; husband, Jorge Fuentes; siblings, Jimmy Wass, Rodney Wass of Devil’s Lake, ND; mother Carolene (Larson) Wass of Denver, CO; as well as countless other loving family members. Debbie was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Wass and her father, Robert Wass.

Obituary courtesy of Dignity Memorial.