Deborah Gail “Debbie” Blaha, 69, of Festus died Nov. 2, 2022, at her home. Mrs. Blaha was a teacher for 33 years in the Jefferson R-7 School District, the last 15 as a Title 1 reading specialist for kindergarten. She was a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association. Born Oct. 19, 1953, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Delores Elaine (Czarnecki) and George Adam Schmidt.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years: Larry Blaha; a son: Scott (Nancy) Blaha of Pevely; a brother: Gary (Nancy) Schmidt of St. Louis; a brother-in-law: Karl (Diann) Blaha of Festus; a grandson: Austin (Claire Vidal) Richmond of Washington; a great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews; many other family members and friends; and hundreds of former students.
She was preceded in death by an infant brother: Daniel Schmidt.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main, in Festus. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. Justin Metiva and Steven Horn. Burial will take place at a later date in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the Debbie Blaha Memorial Scholarship at Jefferson High School. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.