Debra Suzanne Backes

Debra Suzanne Backes, 66, of Jefferson City, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Jefferson City, Missouri.

She was born on November 14, 1959, at Charles E. Still Hospital in Jefferson City, the daughter of Ron and Sarah Eliabeth (Vaughan) Sherrell.

Debra was a 1978 graduate of Jefferson City High School.

She worked for the State of Missouri in Department of Labor.

Debra was united in marriage on June 23, 1978, in Jefferson City, to Ronald J. “Ron” Backes, who survives of the home.

She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, Missouri, were she taught PSR and Children’s Liturgy.

Survivors include her husband, Ron; her mother, Sarah Sherrell; three children; Shaun (Nikki) Backes, Bonnots Mill, Sarah (Jesse) Boss, Jefferson City, Kelli Backes; seven grandchildren, Cole Jungmeyer, Madison Backes, Ryleigh (Dylan) Bryan, Clayton Kaiser, Gabe Backes, Shanon Boss and Sarah Boss; three siblings, Beth (Pat) Struempf, Jefferson City, Tom (Jennifer) Hickman, Jefferson City and Chris (Rhonda) Mertens, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ron Sherrell.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Kelechi M. Uzuegbu officiating. To honor Debra, the family encourages guests to wear different shades of purple.

Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or New Horizons – Audrey Grace House, 147 Sayles Blvd., Abilene, Texas 79605.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. Trimblefunerals.com