4/8/1955 – 7/2/2026
Lawrence
Debra Lynn Hamlin Cathers (nee Anderson) died at home July 2, 2026, after a 14 year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 71. Having recently moved from Lawrence to Auburn, KS, she was being cared for by family when she passed.
Debra (Deb) will be remembered by her many friends and beloved family for her kindness, humor, humanity, and loving spirit. An avid film and television fan, Deb knew obscure film quotes like no one else and was often known to throw them out in casual conversation, to the confusion of many.
But, Deb was quick with an explanation as well as a plot summary and review.
Deb loved nothing more than spending time with her family and friends. Deb was always quick to support, listen, and laugh.
Born April 8, 1955, in Augusta, Georgia, Deb was the daughter of Ulis (Andy) Anderson and Wilma (Maxine) Anderson (nee Earl). Weeks after Deb’s birth, Andy’s career in the Air Force moved the family to Germany. From there, they returned to the States where they lived in multiple places including: Texas, Kansas, all around the St. Louis area, and then back to Kansas, where they settled in Topeka. Deb had, by all accounts, an interesting education journey, having gone to thirteen different schools before landing at Highland Park High School in Topeka, where she graduated with the class of 1973.
At Highland Park, she met Steven Ray Hamlin. After working together at Lindy’s Grocery Store, the two started dating and were married in June of 1973. They welcomed their daughter, Lisa Michele Kusumpa (nee Hamlin) in 1974. They then welcomed a son, Ryan Cortney Hamlin-Canady, in 1977.
Deb was the definition of a jack of all trades. Her various careers included work for Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Hallmark, Radio Shack, and USD 497 here in Lawrence. Her longest career, Deb was the main office secretary at South Jr. High School in Lawrence before moving to Free State High School where she was the athletics secretary. After USD 497, Deb took a much different career path and became the Head Chef for Hawthorne House in Parkville, Mo, an event and wedding venue. Deb led Hawthorne House to many local awards and was the chef for a Presidential event. Before retiring, Deb was working locally again for the Lawrence Dental Center.
Deb is survived by her children, grandchildren Henry, Benjamin, and Oliver Kusumpa, son -in-law Darren Canady, sisters Sue Hamlin and Kathi West, as well as cousins, extended family, and many friends. Debra was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Gregory Allen Anderson, her son-in-law Yuthama “Boomie” Kusumpa, her beloved Aunt, Mamie Leonard, and her second husband, Patrick Cathers.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 1st, 2026, at Arterra Event Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Drive in Lawrence, KS. An Open House will be from 1pm to 5pm with a short service at 2pm. Donations can by made in the name of Deb Cathers to the LMH Health Foundation in care of the Cancer Center.
To leave a message for Deb’s family, please visit www.Rumsey-Yost.com.
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