Debra Dawn Grage, 53, formerly of Flandreau, died Sunday at the Golden Living Center in Clark. She was born January 12, 1957 in Pipestone, MN to Matt and Beulah (Grimm) Grage. She received her education in a country school, Spafford Grade School in Flandreau and graduated in 1976 from Crippled Children's School in Sioux Falls. She became a resident at Sioux Vocational in Sioux Falls in 1977 and in March 1989 she moved to Pierre. Debra won the Bill Sackter Award, served as a CHAP, Inc. board member and volunteered in fund raising and special events to promote CHAP. Debra was active in the People First Organization and traveled extensively to speak out for what she believed in. Debbie moved to Watertown and became a resident at the Golden Living Center in Clark on October 4, 2010. Debbie was a former 4-H member, enjoyed fishing and participated in the Special Olympics.

Debbie is survived by four siblings, JoAnn (Loren) Staeffler, Rainier, OR, Merlyn (Marilyn) Grage, Colman, Rodney (Beverly) Grage, Lindale, TX, Dale Grage, Rapid City and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.


Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thursday at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau, with burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Wednesday at the funeral chapel.