Debra Jean (Aamodt) Roberts, 67, of Franklin, found peace January 24, 2022, three months after a diagnosis of late-stage cancer. Born April 4, 1954 to Alfred and Marian Aamodt, Debra – also known as Debby to her family and Deb to her friends – lived a life of adventure, love and dedicated work. She married the love of her life, Rodney "Rod" Roberts on November 24, 1973. He preceded her in death in 2019, leaving a hole in her heart that she tried to fill by spending time with loved ones – particularly her sister and dearest friend Ginny – and adopting her sweet teddy bear puppy, Honey Bee.

Debby may be remembered for her quick, sharp wit and twinkling charm, but she also broke down gender barriers as a woman in a career of information technology (IT) beginning in the early 1970's, in a field during a time when men dominated. While her charm likely disarmed those around her, her intelligence, sophistication and tenacity prevailed, leading her through a meaningful career in IT project management across a variety of companies. She particularly enjoyed her time at FIS, where she retired in February of 2020 after serving the final decade of her career. Debby took great pride in her work, and thrived on IT go-lives, particularly the ones that kept her up all night and through weekends, including work on mobile banking. As a global thinker and traveler, Debby especially loved working with project teams around the world, and taking time to learn about the cultures and faith traditions of her teammates.

Her true partner was her beloved husband, Rod. They gave each other balance as well as support. During one of Debby's career stints in Rosemont, IL, Rod got up extra early to make coffee and breakfast so they could always start their day together before her long commute. They traveled extensively, and their all-time favorite place to visit was Paris, although they collected tales to tell from around the world, including some raucous nights at an Irish pub, and an encounter with a U.S. President while in Monte Carlo.

Debby is survived by her sister Virginia (Ginny) Ashenhurst, a retired nurse who cared for Debby the past several months, her brother Dennis Aamodt and his wife Beth, her brother Rick and his wife Tracy, and Rod's sister Patricia Roberts. She is further survived by nephews Mark (Karla) Ashenhurst, Dave (Bridget) Ashenhurst, nephews Alan and David Aamodt, and nieces Erika (Jesse) Gayhart and Kristina (Joel) Rasmussen, as well as great-nephews and great-nieces Sean, Erin, Logan and Colin Ashenhurst, Emily, Maddie, Carly and James Aamodt, Evelyn, Jonah and Jarett Gayhart, and Colton Rasmussen. Further survived by her treasured "Aamodt girl" cousins. Also survived by her 9-month-old puppy, Honey Bee, who will be adopted in the family. Debby was preceded in death by her great love, Rod, as well as her parents, Rod's parents, her sweet nephew Andrew Aamodt, and her dear brother-in-law Jack Ashenhurst.

In honoring Debby's strong wishes, no funeral will be held. The family will celebrate her life later in spring and inter the ashes of Debby and Rod together, alongside beloved nephew Andrew Aamodt.

The family is grateful for the care Debby received through VITAS Ruth Hospice Center over the past several weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Special Olympics of Wisconsin are appreciated https://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org.

Debby was looking forward to cheering on her great-nephew Sean at the National Special Olympics in June 2022, where he will compete in track events as part of Team Wisconsin.