Debora Lynn McNew, age 63, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at her home in Manhattan, KS. She was born on July 29, 1960 in Ponca City, OK. She was the daughter of James and Iva (Tucker) McNew.
Deb graduated with bachelor’s degrees from Oklahoma State University and Kansas State University. She worked at CivicPlus in Manhattan, KS for the past 29 years. Deb began with CivicPlus as a trainer and consultant and worked with hundreds of municipalities all over the United States and Canada. Throughout her tenure, she served in many key roles including as General Manager of Citizen Engagement Solutions, as Vice President, and as a member of CivicPlus’ executive leadership team.
Deb loved to travel for both work and pleasure. She enjoyed driving around the country visiting historic towns, taking summer trips to see the Pacific Ocean, and even flying in a tiny plane to a remote Alaskan island. Deb enjoyed adventure and experiencing beautiful places.
She is survived by her life partner, Jimmie Elston Sr, Manhattan, KS; both parents, James and Iva McNew, Ponca City, OK; sister, Brenda McNew, Norman, OK; brother and sister-in-law, Timothy and Mechelle McNew, Ponca City, OK; nieces, Kari Koch, Portland, OR, Sharii Warner and Amber McNew, of Norman, OK, and Katy Thomason, Ponca City, OK; and nephew, Justin McNew, Ponca City, OK; and her two beloved dogs, Bud and Babe.
Friends and family are invited to attend Deb’s memorial gatherings. The first gathering will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 1-3 pm in Manhattan, KS. CivicPlus will host the Manhattan memorial gathering at 302 South 4th St. A second memorial gathering will be held in Ponca City, OK on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 1105 Rosedale Ave from 2-4 pm. Both events are come-and-go receptions with light refreshments provided.