Debra Renae Wynkoop

Debra Renee Wynkoop was born on July 10, 1955 to Daniel and Edna (Brammer) Wynkoop in Sacramento, California. One of four kids, she was a self-proclaimed “air force brat” and made lots of friends with every move her family made from California, to Puerto Rico, to New York, to Utah. She was an amazing swimmer and had the best butterfly stroke in the world. She was also a talented synchronized swimmer.

Deb became a mom in 1977 when her first son, Patrick Barnes was born, and again in 1979 when Brett Barnes came along. She was “Mom” to her step-children Jeff, Karen, and Rebecca Green; along with every friend of her boys and she loved and supported them as if they were her own. She had a way of making everyone she knew feel special and she loved with her whole heart.

Deb valued education and achieved a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Utah. She worked for the State of Utah and retired after 25 years of dedicated service.

On January 1, 2000, Deb married the love of her life, Patrick Balough, Sr. and she became “Mom” to three more step-children Patrick Jr. and Meghan Balough, and Izabett (Austin) Nelson. Deb and Pat went on many adventures and did not leave each other’s side over the next 22 years, 10 months, and 15 days.

She was a friend to animals and donated to many animal causes. She loved dogs, flamingos, travel, true crime TV shows, sappy Hallmark Channel holiday movies, and reading. She was a force of nature and was loved by everyone who knew her.

Deb passed away peacefully on October 15, 2022, surrounded by her husband, sons, and her grandson Braxton, who was the apple of her eye.

She is survived by her husband, Patrick Balough, Sr. and Molly the pit-bull; her sons, Patrick (Holly Bruun) Barnes and Brett (Hilary Yocum) Barnes; her brothers Daniel (Cheryl) Wynkoop, Jr. and David Wynkoop, and baby sister Dianne Wynkoop and their children; her step-children, grandchildren, and all the friends that called her mom.

A celebration of life will be held on November 12, 2022 at The Sandwedge Café at Mountain Dell Golf Course in Salt Lake City, Utah. There will be more details to come.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the animal welfare organization of your choosing.

Mom – We love you and miss you like crazy and this world seems a little less bright without you.

Sun, moon, stars, and all the sand on the beach.