Deborah Kim McKenzie

Deborah Kim "Eckroth" McKenzie, born August 17, 1970, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on April 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous five-year battle with colon cancer.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert McKenzie; her parents, Barbara and David Eckroth; her step-son, Max; and her step-daughters, Lauren Herbert and Molly Matos.

Deb graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. degree in Sports Management, where she was a proud member of the Division I women's golf team for four years, GO COCKS!!! Her love for the game never left her. She spent 14 years playing professional golf on the LPGA Tour, Futures Tour, and European Tour, and competed in four U.S. Women's Opens.

She was honored to be inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Central Dauphin High School Sports Hall of Fame. Later, she coached the Central Dauphin girls' golf team and found real joy in teaching the game as a Class A LPGA Teaching Professional, sharing her love of golf with players of all ages.

Deb and Rob loved to travel especially enjoying time in Maine, Myrtle Beach, and Mexico, where she made lasting memories with family and friends. She had a deep love for her friends and cherished the time they spent together, whether on the golf course, traveling, or simply enjoying each other's company. She was also a big fan of Kenny Chesney, and his music was often the soundtrack to many of those good times.

She treasured time with her beloved dog, Lacey, and valued the many friendships she built over the years, especially within the golf community.

Deb will be remembered for her kindness, her warmth, and her unmistakable smile. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

All are welcome to join Deb’s family at her celebration of life open house on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Dauphin Girl's Golf Team Booster Club: Central Dauphin High School, c/o Marc Vogel, 437 Piketown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112.

Deb’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Deb’s full obituary, view her memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.