A Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
Debra Sue Horsley Van Vliet of Placerville, Calif., passed away peacefully with her son Seth continually supporting her at her side on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at Marshall Hospital, ICU in Placerville. Deb had endured multiple chronic health conditions for many years.
Born on July 31, 1953, she was the daughter of Jay and Roberta ("Bobbie" Black) Horsley of Lawton. She grew up on a farm north of Lawton and greatly enjoyed Horsley family traditions of trips to Minnesota and love of fishing. Her favorite past time was riding “Rusty” her horse. Debra was a member of Lawton Presbyterian Church and a graduate of the Lawton High School Class of 1971.
Following high school, she married Michael Young. To this marriage two children, Seth and Erin, were born. She was later married to Bruce Voogd and the family resided in Storm Lake for several years.
Debra worked in Sioux City for IBP many years and as a class monitor at Iowa Central Community College in Storm lake. She will best be remembered as a homemaker and mom.
Debra later married Jack Van Vliet and for 23 years they happily resided in Placerville until his passing from pancreatic cancer in 2022.
Deb enjoyed her family, grandsons and coloring/crafting.
She is survived by her faithful son Seth Young (who provided in home care to her while an employee of Marshall Hospital, Placerville); her three adult grandsons residing in California: Logan, Silas and Romyn Young; her brother Joel (Maureen) Horsley of Ruthven; nephews: Jess Horsley of Platte Woods, Mo.; and Will Horsley of Dickens; aunts: Joyce (Black) Wingert of Nevada, Iowa; Marlene Black (Lamoyne) Phillips of Coon Rapids, Minn.; and many cousins.
She was preceded in passing by her parents, Jay and Bobbie Horsley; her husbands; many relatives; and now is beautifully reunited with her daughter, Erin Lynn.
Debra was an organ donor desiring to help others after her life.
A fellowship service for immediate family and friends was held in memory of Debra on Friday evening, Jan. 30.
