Debra Susan (Skatula) Mason, a cherished member of the Bellevue and Redmond communities, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, August 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She was 70 years old.
Family and Faith
Debra was surrounded by her husband, Dick Mason, her son Jordan, and her sister Mary Jo Johnson at the time of her passing. The family, along with many friends and former students, will gather to celebrate her life at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Creekside Covenant Church, 2315 173rd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 18, 1955, in Sheridan, Wyoming, Debbie was the second of four children of Roman and Martha “Marty” Skatula. She attended Sheridan schools and graduated from Sheridan High School in the class of 1974. After high school, she pursued a degree in Interior Design at the Bassist Institute School of Design in Portland, Oregon, and later earned a degree in Commercial Art & Graphic Design from the Burnley School of Professional Art in Seattle.
Professional Career
Debbie began her career in downtown Seattle as a Creative Art Director for an advertising firm, creating campaigns for Nordstrom, Frederick & Nelson, Ben Bridge Jewelers, and the Portland Transit Center, among others. She later operated her own freelance interior‑design and graphic‑design business, serving clients throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Marriage and Family
On June 2, 1979, Debbie married Richard “Dick” Mason at Mercer Island Covenant Church. Their 47‑year marriage was blessed with two sons: Jordan (born 1982) and Zachary (born 1986). The couple also welcomed grandchildren Harvey, Maxwell, Caleb, and great‑granddaughter Zoe.
Teaching and Service
Following her work in design, Debbie turned to education, teaching K–12 art at The Bear Creek School in Redmond, Providence Classical Christian School in Bothell, and Seattle Classical Christian School in Seattle. During school breaks, she led art camps through The Bellevue Club, sharing her love of creativity with local youth.
Later Years and Caregiving
Debbie left teaching in 2023 to care for her mother, who lived in Bellevue until her death in 2024. She and Dick also cared for their son Zach, who battled ALS until his passing on January 30, 2026.
Legacy and Memorial Contributions
Debbie is survived by her husband Dick, son Jordan and his three sons, grandson Zoe, brother Rick, sister Mary Jo, and an extended family of nieces, nephews, great‑nieces and great‑nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, grandparents, siblings, and several in‑laws, many of whom also faced ALS.
Memorial contributions may be directed to ALS research organizations, such as The ALS Association (als.org/ways-give) or Project ALS (projectals.org), in honor of Debbie’s lifelong commitment to family, faith, and community.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
