Debbie Plew

Sunrise: June 4th, 1959 – Sunset: November 29th, 2025

Deborah “Debbie” Plew of Udall, KS, passed peacefully in the care of Harry Hynes Hospice at St.Francis on November 29th, 2025, at the age of 66. She bravely battled a rare genetic disorder called Alpha-1 antitrypsin. Debbie was born on June 4th, 1959 in Eureka, KS, to Kenneth and Mary Alford. She was the fourth of five children, with three older brothers—Joe, Rocky, and Jack—and a younger sister, Rhonda.

Debbie graduated from Eureka High School and later moved to Wichita, where she met her future husband, Ken Plew, in 1980 through mutual friends. They were married on July 17th, 1982, in the backyard of her childhood home.

Debbie was blessed with her first son, Alex, on February 19, 1986, and then her next blessing, Eric, on July 14, 1989. Her family moved to Mulvane in 1994, where she began working for USD 263. Debbie tragically lost her youngest son, Eric, on November 11, 1995. Through unimaginable grief, she courageously held her family together as they navigated a world without him.

She continued to work for the district until 1997, then took a position as the assistant to the Mulvane Chief of Police. Debbie later transitioned to the position of Mulvane City Court Clerk, where she remained for the last 25 years of her career. She retired in 2022 due to complications from her Alpha-1 disorder.

Those closest to Debbie would describe her as a kind-hearted soul who loved to laugh. She had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and welcomed. Even on her hardest days, she tried to make light of every situation, often cracking jokes to lift others’ spirits. Debbie was resilient and brave— moving through life’s ups and downs with grace and softness. She will be deeply missed by her son, Alex Plew; daughter-in-law, Amanda Johnston-Plew; and her husband, Ken Plew, along with many extended family members and friends.

Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Mary Alford; brothers Rocky and Jack Alford; and her son, Eric James Plew.

Visitation with family present will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7th. The funeral service will be Monday, December 8th at 2:00 p.m., both at Smith Mortuary in Mulvane, KS.

A memorial has been established with the Alpha-1 Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134, or by visiting their website.