Deborah Louise Boman passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 17, 2026—her 74th birthday.
Deborah was born in Neosho, Missouri, in 1952 to Raymond “Jack” Boman and Betty Boman (née Weldy). She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved brother, John. She is survived by her daughter, Renee Boman and son-in-law Mark Weinberg; her brothers Andy Boman (Debbie), David Boman (Janis), and Mike Boman (Debbie); her sister Mary Jo Ostenberg (the late Terry Ostenberg); and her nieces and nephews: Bradley Boman; Brian (Elise) Boman; Adam Jordan (Kristen Hall); Zachary Boman; Jason Boman; and Kearstin (Cody) Carpenter.
During her 35-year hospitality career, Deborah worked as a bartender, server, and manager at dive bars like Twin City Tavern and Jimmy’s Jigger, as well as Kansas City landmarks such as The Golden Ox, Italian Gardens, and Hereford House. She concluded her career as a manager at the Savoy Grill. Deborah loved meeting people from around the world, hearing their stories, and making them laugh.
If you asked Deborah, she would tell you her greatest accomplishment in life was raising her daughter, Renee. She cherished their time together—trying new restaurants, visiting thrift stores and plant nurseries, going to the dog park, and walking in the woods.
A lover of nature, Deborah found joy sitting on her patio, surrounded by her plants and flowers, watching insects, birds, and deer pass through.
She was a talented and adventurous cook and baker, able to prepare almost anything—from moussaka to chipped beef on toast—often reciting recipes from memory.
An intellectual and voracious reader, her interests spanned literature, history, biography, and poetry. She knew a great deal about many things and shared her opinions freely, while also having the humility to admit when she was wrong.
Deborah was a passionate progressive who relished a good political debate, as her Facebook friends can attest. Issues of equality were paramount to her, and she worked to challenge racism, sexism, homophobia, and other social injustices when she saw them.
Deborah will certainly be remembered for her humor—quick, sometimes silly, and often dark. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them laugh, and she laughed easily herself, with an infectious giggle that will not be forgotten.
Above all, Deborah will be remembered for her kindness and authenticity. She listened deeply, cared sincerely, and made people feel important and loved. She will be greatly missed.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral. Instead, a celebration of her life will be held at Renee and Mark’s home with music, food, family, and friends. Details will be shared at a later time.
In her honor, those who wish to do so may consider a donation to World Central Kitchen (wck.org), a nonprofit that provides meals to communities affected by natural and humanitarian disasters.
