Debby

Paulsen

Debby Paulsen, born Ina Deborah Clements, 77, of Onaga, KS, went to be with the Lord on the evening of November 9, 2026. She passed away peacefully and comfortably in her home with her two daughters on either arm. A beloved daughter, mother, and grandmother, she was well-known in the community and will be dearly missed.

Debby was born on September 7, 1949, the oldest of the four children of Harland and Rose Marie Clements. Her father’s work moved the family around during her childhood, before they settled and made their home in Onaga, KS. She studied accounting at Kansas State University and began her career as a CPA. Her heart was won over by small-town attorney Gary Paulsen. They married in Buck’s Grove United Methodist Church on September 16, 1978.

Never far apart, Debby’s accounting practice and Gary’s law practice shared the same office space on the main street of Onaga. They built their dream home just outside Onaga, where they raised their two daughters. Despite her busy career, she found the time to be closely involved in her daughters’ lives, teaching them in Sunday school, and coaching their softball teams. In her free time she loved playing the piano, which she had the privilege of teaching to her daughters, and later even her granddaughters. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she found much joy in the Word, and playing the piano and singing during worship services. She lived her life in confidence of her savior Jesus Christ, and always looked forward to His glorious return.

Debby was preceded into Glory by her husband, and will be laid to rest next to him in Buck’s Grove Cemetery. She will be missed by her mother Rose Marie, siblings Theresa, Harlow, and Lynn, daughters Ashley and Jennifer, and nine grandchildren.

There will be a service to celebrate her life at Buck’s Grove United Methodist Church, south of Soldier, KS on Saturday, November 14th at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service. Debby will lie in state after 9:00 a.m. on Friday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga, where a visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com