Debra Davenport

Debra L. Davenport, 67, Baldwin, passed away on February 19, 2024, surrounded by family. 

The memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 26th at Evangel, 3225 N. 14th Street, Bismarck, with a reception to follow.

Burial will be held at Regan Cemetery following the service and reception.

Debra was born on January 11th, 1957, in Mandan, ND. The second eldest out of 8, the second daughter of Martin and Delores Wenger. As a child, Debra enjoyed having many siblings and had close bonds with all of them, but was especially close to her sisters. As children, they often enjoyed running outside in the rain.

She married Daniel Davenport in 1973. Daniel and Debra created a beautiful life together. Debra was a mother to six children, Grandmother of 11, and great-grandmother to 1.

Debra had a special bond with grandchildren David and Cailliey, her role as a caregiver allowed her to view life through a new lens.  Especially throughout her battle with Ovarian cancer, the bond she had with David and Cailliey brought her much joy, peace, and comfort throughout the last years of her life.

In her years as a young mother and wife, Debra lived on the Davenport farm with Daniel, the children, and other family members. She was full of life and loved to have fun. You could find her riding a snowmobile and motorcycle or working the bulls alongside her husband.

Daniel and Debra soon moved into Bismarck and then Mandan where they purchased their first home. Debra spent the years as a stay-at-home mother, caring for her six young children. Debra always found immense joy in raising her children alongside her three sisters, Kathy, Susan, and Lori. She valued time with her sisters and her mother, often meeting at Dakota Farms for a Coke. Many memories were made with family trick or treating with all the cousins or at family reunions in the summer.

Debra became a grandmother in 1995, to her first granddaughter, Autumn, followed by Tiffani in 1996. From then on, she was seldom seen without a grandchild in tow. Debra was passionate about family above all else. Becoming a grandparent brought a new level of joy to life for Debra and she carried that dedication until her last day.

Debra loved to enjoy life, especially alongside family. Travel was her favorite pastime. She made many great memories traveling with her family. Some of her favorites were trips taken before the loss of her two eldest, Diana and Danny. She treasured traveling to Florida and spending time in Medora with her late children.

Debra was known for putting others first. She was always willing to help someone who she loved. She was a caretaker at heart, always worried about others, and was there whenever needed. Maybe it was a phone call, a hug, or a lovingly written card in the mail. Her presence was felt and will deeply be missed.

Debra will be greatly missed, but her memory will long live on through her children and grandchildren.

Debra fought a courageous battle with Ovarian cancer throughout the final years of her life. She persevered and allowed this battle to drive her closer to family and God. Debra knew she was a daughter of God and leaned into her faith. The trials she faced only strengthened her love for Christ. We know Debra is at peace with her Lord and Savior and will remain with us in spirit.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel Davenport; her children and beloved spouse(s) Daisy (Bryan) Denham, Darcy (David) Badbrave, Dustin (Amanda) Davenport, Darin (Victoria) Davenport: and many grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diana McCree; Son, Daniel Davenport Jr.; Sister, Susan Paul; parents, Martin Wenger, Delores, and Ralph Kratz; and many beloved relatives.