Debra Ann McDermott

Debra Ann McDermott, 58, Bismarck, passed away with her loving family by her side on May 31, 2020. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 10, at the farm north of Bismarck, 2651 162^nd Ave, Bismarck, North Dakota 58503. It is suggested that guests bring their own lawn chairs and to pick a spot on the ten-acre yard. All are welcome to see what Deb’s lifetime creation of her dream yard overlooking the Missouri River. For directions: go north on Hwy 83 to mile marker 98, take the next left on 149^th Ave., drive one mile and take a right on 15^th, take a left on 162^nd, and drive one mile until there is a dead end.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 7 p.m.

Debra was born on June 11, 1961 in Oakes, ND. She was raised on a farm in Gwinner, ND. Debra was the CFO of the ND Department of Human Services until her retirement in July 2017. At the time of her retirement, her staff members gave her a message saying, “It is one thing to be a boss, another thing to be a mentor, but completely different to be a leader. We are proud to have been led by you.”

She was a huge NDSU Bison fan. Debra attended four national championship games along with the play off and home games. Her first trip after her retirement was to Philadelphia to watch Carson Wentz play the NY Giants. She also enjoyed her annual trips with her girl friends and many trips with her mom. Debra spent most summer weekends at the family cabin kayaking, fishing and visiting with friends and family.

Debra is survived by her husband, Mark; two children, Ashley (Rusty) Lynn Harris and Justin (Shelby) David McDermott; five grandchildren, Anna Harris, Elliott Lang, Adrian Lang, Cambria Lang and Berkley McDermott; her mother, Shirley Waloch; brothers, Randy (Carla), Corey (Lorie) and Russel (Steph); close niece and nephew, Abigail (Grant) Tweeten and Max; along with many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gail Waloch.

To share memories of Debra and to sign the online guestbook, go to www.eastgatefuneral.com.