Debra Jean Sterling Hans Karpowicz, of 67, Springfield, passed away on June 27, 2019. She was born at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. Debra graduated from Parkview High School, Missouri State University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, and was a lawyer in Springfield area for over 30 years and was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother and pet owner. She is survived by her mother, Betty Sterling (Springfield), her brother, Bobby Sterling, Jr. (Springfield), four children, Jason Hans (and Julianne Hans, Fairway, Kansas), Ryan Hans (and Amanda Dennison, Kansas City), Mallory Karpowicz (and Brandon Neeter, Springfield), and Kyle Karpowicz (and Tatiana Rothacker, Columbia), and six grandchildren, Mason Hans, Abigail Hans, Eleanor Hans, Mitchell Hans, Brody Neeter and Owen Neeter. She was preceded by her father, Bobby Sterling, Sr. A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 8, at 10am, at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 5234 W. State Highway EE, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803 (http://www.swh.org/giving.html).