Debra "Debbie" Luann Santee

Santee

Debra (Debbie) Logan Santee, of Decatur passed from this life to the next on September 23, 2026, in the presence of her loving family.

Debbie was born in July of 1957, the daughter of Bob and Phyllis Logan, in Decatur, Illinois. In her life she experienced the joy of two beautiful marriages. In May of 1979 she married Harry Ward and they enjoyed the beginning of their new life together. Tragedy struck in the fall of that same year when Harry died in a car accident. Over time and through struggle, joy came again when she married “the love of her life” Russell (Russ) Santee in September of 1991.

During their life together they lived in a variety of places and had many adventures. Among them were eight years spent in Macon, Georgia where they met new friends, enjoyed spending time watching and photographing the creatures in their natural backyard setting, golfing and tasting new southern dishes.
They spent two years in Saudi Arabia, moving there for Russ’s work in a desalination plant. It was a challenging and insightful time for Debbie as an American woman living in a foreign land and culture.
Tragedy struck again in September of 2009, when Russ died of a sudden heart attack (also breaking Debbie’s heart).

Debbie worked at St. Mary’s Hospital for eight years as a respiratory therapist. For most of her tenure there, she also helped establish their sleep laboratory.

Debbie’s passion was to help people-very quietly, behind the scenes, as she shared healing energy and healing crystals, connecting to the power of the universe as she prayed to God, naming each of her family members every night.

In 2017, Debbie discovered the music of The Trouble Notes through a Facebook post. She reached out to them and invited them to Decatur to share their music with her friends and family. They accepted the invitation and, in the fall of 2018, they met for the first time. Their friendship grew over the years as Debbie’s support and love for them continued. They were friends who became family.
Debbie followed in her dad’s footsteps and loved to bowl. She practiced and increased her skills participating in league and tournament events. She, Russ, her family and friends, traveled across the country and bowled in the national ABC tournaments.

Debbie had a deep love for her family. She is survived by her dad, Bob Logan, sisters Vicky (Scott) Woolridge and Pam (Dean) Larrick, Nieces and Nephew: Allison Woolridge, Shalon (Patrick) Hyde, Shelby (Nick) Baum, Kaleigh Larrick (Jeremy Stephen), Mackenzie (Aaron) Eubanks, Trey (Darrian March) Larrick. And her adored great nieces and nephews: Madison, Tatum, Ace, Harrison, Millie, Jackson, Libby, and Cece.

She was preceded in death by her mom, young brother Robbie, and husbands Harry and Russ.
Debbie and her family are grateful for the loving care of the staff of The Care Team (formerly Traditions) during her hospice care. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be given to The Care Team. Tanzyus Logan Funeral Service and Care is in charge of the arrangements.

Please sign the family guestbook at www.tanzyusloganmemorialpages.com.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Central Christian Church (650 W, William St. Decatur, Illinois 62522). Greeting and Gathering 10- 11 am and A Service of Remembrance at 11 am with Rev. Michael Karunas presiding.