Debra Redding

Debbie was born August 9, 1954, to Ralph and Barbara (Friesen) Stoltzfus in Falfurrias, Texas. She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Stoltzfus; grandparents Herbert and Olga Friesen, and Lovina Stoltzfus and Aaron and Edna Stoltzfus.

She is survived by daughter Melody and son-in-law Jason; grandchildren Noah and Aubrey, who were the joy of her life; mother Barbara Stoltzfus; sister Kathy and brother-in-law Homer Recio; nieces Melina (Daniel) Padilla and Ceci Recio; nephew Lukas (Allie) Recio; great-nephew Mateo Recio; and numerous aunts and cousins.

Debbie brought much joy to her parents. Her mother says she thought she and her father were happy, until Debbie was born; then they knew true happiness. She grew up on her parents’ farm/ranch outside of Premont, where she was “her father’s daughter”, enjoying the outdoors and animals, including horses and cattle. She was active in 4-H herself and later as the mother of a very active 4-Her.

Debbie graduated from Premont High School in 1972, and Texas A&I University in 1976.

After several years working in retail, she became an educator in Falfurrias ISD for 20+ years, teaching 7th grade science classes. She filled many additional roles, including UIL sponsor, Science Department Head, Cheerleader Sponsor and probably her favorite role of Student Council sponsor. As one former student described, Debbie “made a lasting impact”, recognizing students’ potential with “positive thoughts” toward them and their futures. She would later volunteer at Noah and Aubrey’s schools every Thursday for 2 years. When able, she drove the “Gigi” pool, taking not only her grandchildren to and from school, but also neighbors and friends.

Debbie served on the Jim Wells County Fair Board for almost 30 years, first as Melody was participating in the Fair. She continued serving long after Melody was out of school due to her love of the “job.” This month was always a busy one because it is “Fair month.”

Debbie was a member of the First Baptist Church in Premont, where she served as pianist for many years. Upon moving north to live full time with her family, she attended various churches in the San Antonio area.

She has been described as a “faithful friend to those blessed to know her”-who else would drive 3 hours to play Bunco with her Premont gang, only to turn around and drive 3 hours home?

Cousin Nancy described it best - Debbie was a “peaceful warrior.” While we prayed and hoped she would win her final battle, it was not to be. As Nancy has said, she was not alone in this journey. She was supported in her tough decision not to continue treatment by her family and her Heavenly Father, who awaited her with open arms.

There are many ways we ask you to remember Debbie. She loved Psalms 23, The Lord is my Shephard…and the poem “Footprints”. She loved sunsets. You can join Noah and Aubrey in thinking of her, as she asked, when you see a rainbow or a cardinal or a butterfly.

Debbie specifically requested that, in lieu of flowers, any donation be made to the Jim Wells County Fair Association or your local Communities in Education organization. Selfless to the very end…..

“Love doesn’t die, people do, so when all that’s left of me is love…give me away”. – Merrit Malloy

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Redding family.