Deborah Sears-Richman

Deborah (Debo) Richman, beloved mother, wife, artist, and friend, passed away in her sleep on January 20, 2025, at the age of 74. Born in Corvallis, Oregon, to Thomas and Audrey Sears, Debo spent her childhood moving around the Pacific Northwest before graduating from Pendleton High School in 1969. She then attended Oregon College of Education in Monmouth, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. It was in Monmouth that Debo continued to fill her life with animals—adopting a Saint Bernard named Cobaka and a Nubian goat, Emma, who sparked her lifelong love of animals and fiber arts. Debo’s creative journey took her further when she spent a year in Flagstaff, Arizona, studying weaving and textile arts under the guidance of Mary Pendleton. She later earned Master’s degrees in Counseling from Oregon State University and Art Therapy from George Washington University, using her talents to help others through teaching and counseling. It was while volunteering at the Sunflower House in Corvallis that she met Jim, her loving husband of over 40 years. Together, they created a life filled with kindness, adventure, and a shared commitment to serving their community. Debo’s dream of living on land where she could both nurture animals and express her artistic vision became a reality when the family moved to a picturesque acreage just north of Corvallis. There, at “Corner Creek Farm,” she transformed a small ranch-style house into a beautiful modern bungalow surrounded by gardens and grazing goats and sheep. Her love of nature shone through in every part of her life—whether it was tending to her beloved animals, knitting her own wool in hats and scarves, or simply enjoying the beauty of the world around her. Her animals weren’t just pets—they were her companions and inspirations. She raised them with care, delivering the lambs and kids herself, then spinning the wool into yarn that would eventually become her next piece of artwork. Debo had an infectious zest for life. Whether it was learning something new, exploring new places, or just soaking in the colors and patterns of the world around her, she found joy in the simplest of things. She could see a story in a patchwork quilt, a flower just starting to bloom and endless possibilities in a piece of yarn or a bit of wool. Her artistic spirit was woven into everything she did, and she shared that gift with all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, James “Jim,” her children Javid and Leela Richman, her siblings Mike and Ruby Sears, Kate and Scott Perkins, and Brenda Rowe. All who knew Debo are better for having experienced her warmth, creativity, and unwavering care. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Collins Room at the Benton County Historical Society Corvallis Museum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donating to a local organization, volunteering your time or simply taking a moment to soak in the beauty of the world around you.

Tributes

Deborah Sears-Richman

December 1, 1950 - January 20, 2025