Born and raised as a cowgirl on a ranch in Idaho, Copenhaver-Fellows was able to combine her love of ranching life with art when she became a sculptor in college. Deborah spent her first year of College at Washington State University, earning a full scholarship. That same year Deborah won the competition to become Miss Rodeo Washington and was Runner Up Miss Rodeo America. In her second year of college, she transferred to Fort Wright College of the Holy Names in Spokane, Washington. She met a nun, Sister Paula Mary Turnbull, who taught sculpture. Deborah received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a Fine Art major following her study in Italy, where her passion for sculpture came alive and continues today. She received her first commission at age 19, and has gone on to have a successful career that includes war memorials and bronze portraits. She is married to artist Fred Fellows, whose work is also in the TMC collection.