Debra Ann (Simon) Zook, 56
Zook
Debra Ann (Simon) Zook, 56
A year ago, on June 18, 2019, Debbie Simon Zook, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin, niece, grandmother and dear friend passed away at the age of 56, after a courageous fight with cancer.
Debbie was born Oct. 6, 1962, in Pasco, Wash., to Don and Donna Simon. She graduated from Post Falls High School in 1981, then attended North Idaho College for computer programing.
On Sept. 23, 1989, Debbie married the love of her life, Robert Gail Zook. They had two sons together: Buddy William Christopher Zook and Colton Taylor Zook.
Debbie’s love for children led her to open Zooks Learning Zoo Daycare, where she taught children everything from crafts to manners. She truly enjoyed teaching. After closing the daycare, Debbie went to work at Norm Utility Contracting and made lifetime friends with Dave and his wife, Linda Johnson. Working at Norm’s was Debbie’s favorite job because she learned new skills and got to use her creative side. When Dave retired, Debbie needed a new challenge and went to work at the Kootenai County District Court.
There was no end to Debbie’s talents; she loved spending time in her incredibly organized craft room, making anything from cards to homemade gifts for her friends and family. She loved getting together on a Sunday afternoon with her card group — Mary, Kathy, Jo, Dorothy and her mom — sharing stories and card making tips and tricks. Debbie was not only crafty but wise, like an encyclopedia! She was always there to lend a hand or give good advice when someone needed it. This made her so special and compassionate to people she knew and loved. Debbie always tirelessly provided love and support for our family, she was the glue that held us all together and that is something that can never be replaced.
Her most cherished memories are with her family, camping and mining gemstones. She loved mining so much that she would travel to Fernwood for garnets and Montana for sapphires. Her gemstone findings were then made and designed into custom rings that she wore every day and loved to show off.
The highlight of Debbie’s life is when she learned her son, Buddy, and wife, Charlette, were going to make her a grandmother to a beautiful baby girl named Zelda. After Zelda was born Debbie had a tradition of posting a Zelda picture of the week!
As we reflect on Debbie’s life, we think of how thankful she must have been to not only see both her sons get married and meet her first grandchild. She was truly blessed with family and friends and will be forever missed.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Erma and Lewis Hansman. Also by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Casson (Tiny) Zook and Elizabeth (Jane) Zook.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Zook and her two children, Buddy (Charlette and Zelda Zook) and Colton (Amber Zook); her parents, Don and Donna Simon; her brother, Mark, and sister-in-law, Lorie Simon and their children, Megan and Scott Burr (Kayleen, Kylie); Scott Simon, Shalyn Simon and Cody Parsons. Also by her special aunt, Doris, and many friends and relatives.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. When you think of Debbie Zook, celebrate the memories of her and always remember that life is short and to live life to the fullest.
Per Debbie’s wishes, there will not be a service.