Debra Ann Stanton, 66, passed away on Oct. 27, 2025, in Great Bend, Kan. She was born Oct. 3, 1959, in Humbolt, Neb., to James and Florence (Arnold) Lanning. She married Rick Alan Stanton on March 19, 1983, and they were blessed with 27 years of marriage until his passing on July 9, 2010.

Debra obtained her bachelor’s in education. She worked for USD 428 for over 30 years as a behavior disorder educator then as a Great Bend High School resource teacher. She loved to go to concerts and expand her knowledge at museums. She made it a point to attend the Kansas State Fair. She enjoyed the outdoors and loved to take in all the animals at zoos. Above all else, Debra loved time spent with her friends, children, and grandchildren. 

Survivors include her son, Dillon Stanton of Glenwood, Iowa; stepsons, Ty Stanton and his wife Lucy of Maryville, Mo., Cody Stanton and his wife Casey of Savannah, Mo.; daughters, Tia Stanton of Great Bend, Star Stanton of Bel Aire; sisters, Gayla Fritz of Humbolt, Neb., Judy Fritz and her husband Lois of Verdon, Neb.; brothers, Larry Lanning and his wife Joan of McKinney, Texas, Don Lanning and his wife Mary of Lincoln, Neb., Richard Lanning of Waymore, Neb.; grandchildren, Jordan Stanton, Carli Stanton, Jadon Brady, Myles Stanton, McKenzie Stanton, Jaxon Stanton, Zaelee Stein, Cooper Stanton, Nelson Leslie, Onyx Tracy, Huxley Carey, Luna Leslie, and Brixli Carey. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband; sister-in-law, Mary Lanning, brother-in-law Gene Fritz.

Memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Chaplain Jeff Johnson presiding. Memorials are designated to the Debra Ann Stanton Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 28, 2025