Debra Rae (Eckhart) Brooks, 65, State Center

Debra Rae Brooks (Eckhart) passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 29th, 2025, with one of her closest friends, Stacy Bane by her side.

Deb was born April, 7th 1960 to William (Bill) and Darlene Eckhart (Shipley) in State Center, IA. She lived on the Eckhart family farm with her parents and her brother, Craig Eckhart, who was born 2 years later.

Deb attended school at West Marshall in State Center, where she graduated from in 1978. After high school, she met her husband, Jeffery Brooks Sr, while she was with friends at Gray’s Lake in Des Moines. Deb and Jeff were married on September, 26th 1980 in State Center, IA. A few months later they welcomed their daughter, Tressa to the world and moved to their first home on the Eckhart farm. 6 years later, they were blessed with their son, Jeffery Jr. They lived on the family farm until 2007, when they bought a home in State Center.

Deb had a few jobs throughout her life but her most important was being a stay at home mom for her kids. She also had an in home daycare for a few years to make extra money but to also be home. She worked at West Marshall for 6-7 years in the kitchen. Other jobs included being a server/bartender at The Steak Center, where she met some of her best friends during that time. She was also the head of dietary at the State Center Nursing Home for 10+ years.

Deb loved to go for motorcycle rides with her husband and friends. She also enjoyed playing pool for the Road Hog for a couple of years. What she loved the most was spending time with her family and friends. Her biggest joys were her 2 kids and 6 grandbabies. She was so proud of them all and always said they were her biggest and best accomplishments in life.

Deb is survived by her mother, Darlene Eckhart, brother Craig Eckhart, daughter Tressa (Thomas) Oetker, her son Jeffery Jr (Casey) Brooks and her grandchildren Alyssa, Sophie, Calliope, Henry, Gavin and Penelope. Along with some of the best friends she could ever ask for, Stacy, Mae, Roz and Annie.

Deb is proceeded in death by her husband Jeff Sr, and her father Bill Eckhart.

Deb has requested no funeral. Her son and daughter are planning a celebration of life in the Spring 2026 around her birthday, where we will spread her ashes (per her request).