Dr. Debra Paxton Obituary Dr. Debra “Deb” Lyn Paxton, a beacon of knowledge and compassion, passed away peacefully of natural causes on December 20, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota. Born on October 5, 1954, in Torrance, CA. Deb's life was a testament to her intelligence, loving nature, and selflessness. Her journey on earth may have concluded at the age of 71, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her. Deb's early years were marked by the diverse experiences that came with growing up in an Air Force family. She carried the love for travel and discovery throughout her life. After graduating from Torrance High School in 1973, her professional life was as varied as it was impressive. Before embracing her calling in medicine, Deb worked as a telephone switchboard operator, a roofer, and was self-employed as a machine knitter under the business name Ridgeline. Her creative talents shone brightly as she became the first machine knitter juried into the Mountain State Arts and Crafts Fair in Ripley, WV, and her designs graced the E-Collection of the San Francisco Company Esprit. Deb's passion for helping others guided her to pursue a career in nursing. She earned her associate degree from West Virginia University at Parkersburg, a steppingstone that would lead her to greater accomplishments in the medical field. In 2006, Deb achieved a monumental personal goal by graduating with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. As a nurse in the Mid-Ohio Valley Region of West Virginia, she touched countless lives with her care. As a doctor at Arnot Health in Elmira, NY, she dedicated 12 years to shaping the minds of future physicians as a family medicine residency faculty member, rotating internship program director, and hospitalist. Her medical journey concluded with six years as a hospitalist at Monument Health in Rapid City, SD, where she continued to provide exceptional care to her patients. Deb found joy in the simple pleasures of life, cherishing moments spent with her beloved granddaughters, Gwendolyn, Eleanor, and Meredith Work. Her daughter, Amanda (Justin) Work, was a source of immense pride. She was also survived by her brother, Rob (Donna) Hilley, numerous nephews and their families in California, and father, Bob Turgeon and his wife of Louisiana. Though she was preceded in death by her mother, Coleen Hilley, a sister, Janine Speiler, and her grandparents, Deb's spirit is carried on through her cherished family and close friend, Edward Williams, as well as the countless friends and colleagues whose lives she touched. Deb's life could be encapsulated by the words of Albert Einstein, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." She embodied this sentiment through her selfless dedication to her patients, her family, and the betterment of her community. Dr. Deb Paxton’s story is one of achievement, love, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. Her memory will be held in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her impact will be felt for generations to come. Upon her request cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.