Deborah Kay Cumming

Deborah Kay Cumming passed away on July 20, 2026 in the Medford hospital. She was born on June 4, 1952, in Albion, Nebraska to parents Lyle and Corinne Cumming. Deb moved with her family to Oregon in 1956. She graduated from Gresham High School in 1970. She received her Bachelors of Science from Portland State University in 1975.

Deb married Waimun Yee on June 9, 1973, Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade Day. Her family did not miss a beat, and attended both the parade and the wedding. Their early marriage ended in divorce.

Deb always had the mind for a professional career, which began with her managing a Savings and Loan in Portland. After several years in Portland in the mid 80's, Deb settled in southern Oregon calling it home.

Deb wore many hats and had many passions.

After owning and running the Wagon Wheel Steakhouse, she became an investigator for a local attorney, part time. She was also a part time advocate with Women's Crisis Support Team, supporting the survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. She saw a need for legal advocacy for the victims prompting her to move to Eugene in 1995 to attend University of Oregon Law School, graduating in 1998, after which she returned to Grants Pass to open a practice. She specialized in family law where she provided pro-bono work for those in need. Later branching out to provide services with Josephine County Defense League. Deb retired from her law practice in December 2023.

Deb loved musicals and sang in the Rogue Valley Women's Acapella Chorus for several years. She followed her mother by joining a local PEO Chapter supporting women in education. She loved cats and rescued many.

Deb loved sports; you didn't dare call during an important football or basketball game. She was an Oregon Duck superfan. In her early years the Grants Pass Golf Club played an important role in her life.

She formed a deep bond with her YaYa's, closest of friends, with beach trips always on the calendar. Through all these years Deb found time to travel to Japan, China, Australia, and Hawaii. Always returning home to Grants Pass, to her friends and kitties.

Deb was predeceased by both of her parents and her younger brother Kent. Survivors include her siblings Steven and wife Sherrie, of St. George, Utah; Jan, wife of Kent of Gresham, Oregon; and Linda Schoonover of Hillsboro, Oregon. Deb had seven nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 1pm to 3pm at the Taprock Northwest Grill in the Evergreen room, 971 SE 6th St, Grants Pass, OR 97526. In lieu of flowers donations may be given to Women's Crisis Support Team, 560 NE F St., Suite A PMB 430, Grants Pass, OR 97526.