Debra Lynn Miller

Mar 20, 1957 — Jul 31, 2026

Debra "Debbie" Lynn Miller, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of Friday, July 31, at the age of 69.

Debbie was born on March 20, 1957, in Rich Hill, Missouri, to Delbert "Deb" and Mary "Joan" Swarnes.

She married Dennis Coonce in March 1975, and together they welcomed two children, Slade Coonce and Shylah Fuqua. In 1986, Debbie married Larry Miller, and they shared many happy years together until Larry's passing in 2010.

Debbie was the third of five children. She is survived by her siblings: Tom Swarnes (Marilyn), Teri Neil, Nancy Fillpot (Bud), and Brenda "Pettie" Burkholder.

She is also survived by her children, Slade Coonce (Michelle) and Shylah Fuqua; her beloved grandchildren, Taryn Brown (Bryan), Kylie Smith (Ryan), Taylor Coonce, Dezirae Fuqua, Deidra Shepard (Coltin), Kayden Coonce, and Dillon Coonce; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Kynzlee Woods, Camden Woods, Ella Fuqua, Lawson Shepard, and Kolson Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Deb and Joan Swarnes; her husband, Larry Miller; and her nephew, Buddy Edward Fillpot, Jr.

Known affectionately as "Sugarplum" by those who loved her most, Debbie found her greatest joy in supporting her grandchildren. Whether it was a ball game, school event, or any activity they participated in, she was always there—often as one of the loudest and most enthusiastic fans in the stands. Her unwavering love, generous heart, and joyful spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She leaves behind countless cherished memories and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, Missouri. A graveside service will immediately follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, west of Rich Hill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "Debbie Miller Memorial" through Heuser Funeral Home

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Green Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Heuser Funeral Home.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Graveside Service

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 798

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors