In Loving Memory of Debbie Yost
It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we mourn the passing of Debbie Yost, who, surrounded by her loving family, peacefully passed away on February 21, 2026, at her home in Georgetown, Texas, at the age of 70. A woman of extraordinary grace and boundless warmth, Debbie left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Born on September 1, 1955, in Baltimore City, Maryland, Debbie brought a radiant light into the world that only grew brighter with time. At the center of her life was a remarkable love story. Debbie met Scott when they were just 12 and 13 years old, and from that moment, their hearts grew together. After high school, they married and began a lifelong journey built on a foundation of enduring love, partnership, and mutual respect that was rare and unwavering. For over 51 incredible years together, their love grew stronger, radiating genuine warmth and steadfast commitment that touched everyone around them.
Debbie and Scott built a beautiful life centered on love, family, and faith. Together, they raised three wonderful children—Shannon, Danielle, and Shane —and were later blessed with three adored grandchildren—Griffin, Hudson, and Sean. She cherished the simple, meaningful moments—Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, and time spent with family. Those gatherings were anything but quiet; Debbie made them sparkle with laughter, joy, and a touch of her signature charm. She welcomed everyone with open arms—her home was always filled with warmth, conversation, and the happy chaos of togetherness. "The more, the merrier” was her way of life. Debbie had a genuine love for people and exemplified her faith with heartfelt sincerity and grace. She never met a stranger, opening her heart, and her doors to anyone who needed love, kindness, or simply a place to belong.
A woman of elegance, charm, and ambition, Debbie dedicated 36 remarkable years to a thriving career with Mary Kay Cosmetics. She was an extraordinary achiever whose work reflected her faith-filled optimism, strong work ethic, and generous heart. Through Mary Kay, Debbie not only built a legacy of achievement but also formed many of her dearest lifelong friendships. She embodied the company’s “Go-Give” spirit, lifting others through encouragement, mentorship, and grace. Over the years, she earned multiple iconic Pink Cadillacs and received distinguished Queen of the Court recognition, along with numerous other company awards honoring her excellence and leadership. Yet her greatest pride came not from accolades, but from helping others feel beautiful on the outside while nurturing their inner confidence—leaving a lasting and positive impact on countless friends, colleagues, and clients.
A truly gentle soul, Debbie had an extraordinary love for children and animals—a testament to her innate kindness and pure heart. Her unwavering positivity and faith left a lasting imprint on every life she touched.
To know Debbie was to love her. She possessed an effortlessly classy spirit, perfectly balanced by a sparkling, joyful disposition and a wonderful, vibrant sense of humor. Her infectious laughter could instantly brighten the darkest of days. She walked through life with a sense of a happiness, always searching for the good in others and spreading joy wherever she went. Her legacy of love, laughter, and pure elegance will live on in her beloved family, her many friends, and all whose lives she touched so deeply.
Debbie is survived by her devoted husband, Scott Yost; her children, Shannon Ray, Danielle Shea, and Shane Yost; her sister, Bobbie Jean Sodl, her only surviving sibling; her treasured grandchildren, Griffin Shea, Hudson Shea, and Sean Nevin-Yost; her beloved mother-in-law, Varrina “Tink” Yost; and her dear brothers- and sisters-in-law, Glenn Yost, Bobbie and Michael Manuzak, Larry Yost, Michael Yost, Kim Yost, and Clint and Sharon Yost, with whom she shared a close and loving bond. She is also survived by her niece, Gail Jensen, with whom she shared a special bond from an early age, and Gail's husband Erik Jensen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hazel and Robert Watson; her sisters, Kathleen Charles and Margaret Card; her brother, Charles Watson; and her father-in-law, Harry Yost.
Though she has left this world, her light will shine forever through the love she shared and the joy she brought to so many. Debbie’s radiant spirit will be profoundly missed—yet forever cherished.
Remembering Together
The family will gather to honor and remember Debbie on Thursday, March 19th, at Bethany United Methodist Church for a memorial service, followed by a Celebration of Life at Balcones Country Club. Please see the Service & Celebration section below for complete details.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation (ACCRF) to honor Debbie’s memory and carry forward her generous spirit. Please see the Honoring Her Through Giving section below for more information and link to donate.
Family and friends are warmly encouraged to help build a living celebration of Debbie’s life by sharing your favorite memories, stories, photos, and video messages on this memorial website. Every shared moment — whether it’s a funny story, a treasured snapshot, or a brief video tribute you record in her honor — will help capture the joy, kindness, and love she brought into so many lives. Please visit the Memory Wall section to easily upload your memories from a computer or mobile device. These shared memories will come together to create a beautiful, lasting keepsake celebrating Debbie’s life and the incredible impact she made on all who knew her.
Honoring Her Through Giving
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Debbie’s memory to make a memorial contribution to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation (ACCRF). Debbie faced a rare cancer with courage and grace, and giving in her name helps continue the fight she so bravely waged.
Each donation supports vital research that leads to better treatments, brighter outcomes, and renewed hope for those still battling this disease. Your gift in Debbie’s honor helps move us closer to a future where fewer families face such loss and ensures that her legacy of strength, love, and compassion continues to make a difference for others.
Memory Wall: Photos and Tributes
In His love Cindy
In his love Cindy
Peggy Saccos unit and Shannon and I were new directors together. I know that when she looked into my eyes that I knew she believed in me. It won’t be the same without her smile and spirit of fun. Hugs to each of her family members. Thank you Debbie for all you brought to my life. Psalm 116:13-16. 💕💕💕
I first met Debbie and Scott at a Halloween costume party at Berry Creek Country Club in 2016. From that night on, Debbie and I shared so many fun times together — Bunco nights, Mary Kay facials, girl time, birthday celebrations, Women’s Association events, and Float Fridays at the pool. She had such a gift for building friendships and making people feel welcome.
One memory that always makes me smile is when I was dog-sitting Josie and Winston while the Yost family was traveling. My mom was visiting at the time and had never really been around dogs, but Winston completely won her over. By the end of the week, when my mom was packing to leave, Winston was pulling things right back out of her suitcase faster than she could pack!
Debbie’s love for Scott, Shannon, Danielle, and Shane, along with her family, friends, and beloved fur babies, was something truly special.
I will always treasure the memories and laughter we shared. Debbie will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Rest in peace, my friend – until we meet again.
I will miss my genuine friend.
Your presence, your constant smile, your most positive attitude will remain with me always.
I pray that God will hold you in the palm of his hand and keep you close to his heart
.
So about a week later, we celebrated our 60th birthdays in a tattoo parlor!! We convinced each other that since we’ve experienced the pain of giving birth we could handle a tattoo needle, no problem. Yeah, right! We giggled nervously and supported each other through watery eyes. Scott joined us. Then afterwards took us to a nearby restaurant for wine and appetizers. His way of comforting us with laughter in his eyes.
Dear, sweet, beautiful Debbie, I cherish our adventures. Your lively spirit will stay forever in my heart. You made the world a better place. I deeply mourn your passing yet praise your gain. Rest peacefully, Girlfriend!
"When you lose someone you love,
Your life becomes strange,
The ground beneath you becomes fragile,
Your thoughts make your eyes unsure;
And some dead echo drags your voice down
Where words have no confidence
Your heart has grown heavy with loss;
And though this loss has wounded others too,
No one knows what has been taken from you
When the silence of absence deepens.
Flickers of guilt kindle regret
For all that was left unsaid or undone.
There are days when you wake up happy;
Again inside the fullness of life,
Until the moment breaks
And you are thrown back
Onto the black tide of loss.
Days when you have your heart back,
You are able to function well
Until in the middle of work or encounter,
Suddenly with no warning,
You are ambushed by grief.
It becomes hard to trust yourself.
All you can depend on now is that
Sorrow will remain faithful to itself.
More than you, it knows its way
And will find the right time
To pull and pull the rope of grief
Until that coiled hill of tears
Has reduced to its last drop.
Gradually, you will learn acquaintance
With the invisible form of your departed;
And when the work of grief is done,
The wound of loss will heal
And you will have learned
To wean your eyes
From that gap in the air
And be able to enter the hearth
In your soul where your loved one
Has awaited your return
All the time."
~John O’Donohue~
I loved her smile and fun personality. Just being around her would brighten my day.
Service & Celebration
We will come together on Thursday, March 19th at 3:00 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, and then gather for a reception and celebration at Balcones Country Club. We will remember and pay tribute to the wonderful person she was; while we mourn her loss, we also hope to cherish the moments we shared and the joy she brought into our lives.
Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
10010 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78750
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
8600 Balcones Club Drive
Austin, TX 78750
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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