Debra Ann Sauer

Debra was born in Salt Lake City and was the youngest child of Ann Sieb Sauer and Peter Louis Sauer. In 1972 she graduated from South High School and enjoyed her time as a Drill Mistress.  She worked at Blue Cross for 11 years and then worked at 3M Health Information Systems as a Senior Product Analyst. Deb and a coworker built the 3M Codefinder software in 2000, after which Deb traveled around the world providing training seminars on the software.

One of Debra’s favorite jobs was working as a DJ at the One More Time club. She was offered the job after fixing their soundboard when she had gone into the club for a drink with friends. She loved to dance and often encouraged customers to dance with her.

In 2007 Deb met Cindy Christensen on Match.com and it was “love at first sight”. The following year they married at the Laguna Beach, California courthouse and then traveled to Maui for a beach ceremony and a honeymoon.
Debra and Cindy moved to Mesquite, NV for a year and then moved to Santa Fe, NM where they enjoyed the rich history, arts, festivals and cuisine. Deb was very artistic, generous, compassionate and had an incredible sense of humor.

Debra started Creative Image photography where her photos were featured in Utah Holiday and SLC Magazine. In 2020 Deb taught herself how to make jewelry on a loom with seed beads. She made beaded bracelets, necklaces, hatbands and guitar straps which contained over 4000 beads. She sold her work online and at the Railyard Market in Santa Fe.

Deb was a very generous woman and crocheted hundreds of winter hats and scarfs which she donated to the homeless every year. She volunteered for the 1990 Utah Special Olympics ski classic as a steering committee chairperson. In 2002 she was the Press Steward of Press Operations at the Salt Lake Winter Olympics. In the 1960’s Deb wore a POW bracelet with John McCain’s name. When Sen. McCain visited SLC in 2015 she was invited to meet with the Senator and they both became emotional when she gave him the POW bracelet she had kept all those years, even though Deb informed the Senator that she was a life long Democrat.

After a 3 year battle with endometrial cancer Deb passed away with her wife, Cindy at her side. Debra is survived by her sister Dottie Smith (Richard), brother Pete (Cheryl), and brother in law Roger Monsen. She was preceded in death by her sister Carole Monsen. Deb adored her many nieces and nephews and their families. Much thanks to Vicki Coke, Kathy Smith Robinson, Dick Smith Jr, Janine Smith, and Jason Monsen for all their support. Deb always held a special place in her heart for Jeremy Welte, her Godson. Neighbors Sally, Mark and Carmen have been very supportive. Deb was very blessed and honored to have Deb Willardson as her best friend. Tons of thanks to Dottie and Dick Smith for inviting Deb and Cindy to a month long stay with family at a Puerto Penasco beach house which really lifted Deb’s spirits.

Please join family and friends for a celebration of Debra’s life at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City on Saturday October 5, 2024 from 5-7pm. Deb was a huge University of Utah football fan so feel free to wear U of U attire. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite animal charity.