Deborah Marie "Debbie" Uptain

Deborah Marie “Debbie” Griffith was born in Cortez, CO on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1957, to George and Carolee Griffith.
Debbie had a happy childhood with her younger sister, Cindy and younger brother, Marty. She helped take care of her younger siblings while her parents worked in family owned service stations and businesses. Debbie attended Manaugh and Downey Elementary, Cortez Junior High and MCHS. She graduated early in 1976 so she and Dan could be married.
Debbie met her high school sweetheart, Dan Uptain, when she was a Sophomore. They dated for three years and were married on Friday, February 13, 1976. It was three years before the first child was born. James Rueben “J.R.” Uptain was born February 7, 1979. Randy Karl Uptain was born August 2, 1981. She was a devoted wife and mother and caretaker of the family. Debbie and Dan wanted their children to not be raised by a babysitter so they made the decision to have Debbie be a stay at home mom and keep the home fires burning while Dan made a living. Debbie irrigated, took care of the cows, and helped with Dan’s parents. Dan always said, “Just take care of my boys.” To which she responded, “I always do.” Debbie devoted all of her time to her immediate and extended family.
Dan and Debbie moved to Lewis, CO, where Dan grew up, in the spring of 1983. They spent the first night in their new home on the anniversary of their first date. Debbie enjoyed taking her children to all of their sports practices and games. During the summers she would take her children and all of the neighborhood children to Narraguinnep Reservoir many days a week. Debbie and Dan and the boys always enjoyed enjoying riding their dirt bikes, going hunting, fishing, and shooting. Debbie was an excellent shot. Debbie loved to do crafts and crochet. She sold many of her blankets at the local craft store. After the boys graduated high school, Dan always said, “take care of the place,” to which she would respond, “I always do.”
On December 12, 1999 Debbie and Dan were blessed with their only grandchild, James Karl Uptain. Debbie stayed with the new parents for two weeks to help out with her new grandson. Debbie always called him Little James and Dan always called him Punkey. When Dan had some downtime he and Debbie would go to Grand Junction to spend time with their grandson.
Debbie spent many hours making cards and made many friends in her stamping club. She loved making homemade cards for her friends and family. Her cards were cherished by those who received them. The ladies in her stamping club were very special to her. Debbie enjoyed going to country music concerts with her friends and family. One of Debbie’s favorite activities was playing card games with her friends and family. They would often play into the early hours of the morning. Debbie was a wonderful cook. She fed her family well.
For the last seven years Debbie was employed with CNS as a home healthcare provider. She took care of her father. Debbie’s main source of pride was her boys. She loved hummingbirds and her favorite color was pink.
Debbie passed away September 20, 2019 at 7:30. She was returning home from irrigating and had an accident on her four-wheeler. She was preceded in death by her mother, Carolee.