Debra Jo Tapley, born September 2, 1959, passed peacefully on August 19, 2011 at her home in Mount Vernon after a 5 year battle with cancer. Debbie is survived by her parents, Bob and Janice Pfannenstiel; her husband, Don (DJ) Tapley; daughter, Cassie Arnold; son, Tom Tapley; son-in-law, Chad Arnold; grandchildren, Colby and Emily Arnold; brother, Rob Pfannenstiel and family; and mother and father-in-law, Don and Sharon Tapley. Extended family, Stephanie Richter, Brandi, Nick and Jaxson Renando; and many others who touched her life over the years and became part of her family. Debbie worked in the family business, Skagit Ford Subaru, for over 20 years, holding many different positions. She pioneered the position of Customer Relations Manager, and most recently held the position of Controller. She inspired employees with her work ethic, and her genuine interest in their lives. She was the caring mother to all in the family business. Debbie's greatest joy was her family, the highlight being the arrival of grandchildren. She loved to watch her grandson play baseball, and trips to the beach to look for sea life, and looking at flowers and collecting rocks with both grandchildren. In recent years she had begun scrapbooking which led to many beautiful pages of her grandchildren. Forever positive, she inspired those who met her. Right up to the end, she fought and did not complain. She was a genuine person with a heart of gold. She would ask "how are you?" and really be interested in the answer. She will be missed by all that knew her. In lieu of flowers, Debbie requested a donation be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Center at stjude.org in hopes that in her passing the life of a child may be improved. A Celebration of Life reception will be held Sunday, August 28, 2011, 2:00pm until 5:00pm at the CottonTree Convention Center in Mount Vernon, with formal sharing starting at 2:00pm - please wear resort casual attire.