Deborah Dehlia Ruth Brower, age 75, of Killeen, Texas passed away peacefully with all three of her children by her side on Saturday, April 27, 2024, after a short five year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Even though she faced many challenges in her final days, she faced those challenges with kindness, compassion, understanding, unconditional love, style and grace with a soul on fire for her faith, family, and friends. She was a devoted and loyal mother, Ya-Ya, sister, aunt, friend, educator and devout Catholic.
Deborah was born on February 10, 1949 in New Jersey to parents Elmer Paul Ruth and Marion Eleanora Ruth. She was the third eldest child out of six children: Gail White, Linda Graceffa, Cathy Brophy, Terry Falzone, and Jennifer Grippo.
Growing up in Linden, New Jersey, Deborah graduated from Mother Seton Regional High School in 1967. Following high school, Deborah attended St. Mary's of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas where she received her teaching degree. After Receiving her first teaching job at Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark, New Jersey; she soon met and fell in love with her husband, Donald Lee Brower.
Deborah and Donald were married on February 3,1973 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The two embarked on a fascinating journey, ultimately culminating into a family of five, traveling across the world beginning in Germany with their family adventure continuing in Texas, Alaska, Virginia, Japan, and eventually ending back in Copperas Cove, Texas, where she spent the majority of her life.
Deborah always had a passion for helping others, especially children with special needs. The unconditional love she showed every child in her care and the kindness to her employees and superiors alike, will forever be remembered. Deborah worked as a Director of Child Development for the Department of Defense, was a former Program Manager at Army Family and MWR Programs. She retired in 2017 after 20 years of service as DFMWR-ACS-EFMP Fort Hood, Texas; known as Exceptional Family Member Program.
Although retired, Deborah took her role as mother and Ya-Ya very seriously. Her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren who stole her heart. Her grandchildren were her life. She loved them more than life itself and not only did she tell them that but she showed them. Whether it was a McDonalds Happy Meal or a Dairy Queen ice cream, if her grandchildren wanted one, they got it.
Deborah was a giver and anyone who knew her knew she was the first to offer anything she could. She always ensured others were taken care of without a second thought. She was very selfless and treated everyone with the same respect she would give a CEO.
Her faith in God and the love she showed everyone will forever be a staple in our minds and hearts.
Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer P. Ruth and Eleanora Marion Ruth and her beloved husband Donald Lee Brower.
Deborah is survived by her children; Ashlynn Marion Brower Vincent (Husband: Charles Robert Vincent); Son: Donald Lee Brower II, and Tara Leigh Brower; Grandchildren: Scarlett Mackenzie Brower- Gott, Autumn Ashlynn Vincent, Sierra Cadence Vincent, Katie Grace Vincent, Rhett Rowdy Brower and Meadow Rivers Brower.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday May 23, 2024 at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen from 6-8pm with a Rosary service beginning at 7pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Killeen, Texas on Friday May 24, 2024 at 11am officiated by Father Chris Downey. Deborah will be laid to rest at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 1pm.
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