Deborah Jo Bryant

Debbie grew up on a farm in Colfax, Iowa and was a self described tomboy who loved to work hard and get her hands dirty. She always had a positive attitude about life, which was evident in her work life as a loan officer and also her personal life as a caring friend, a comforting mother, and a loving wife.

Throughout life, Debbie was energetic and walked every morning. She was nice to everyone she met. Debbie also enjoyed gatherings with friends, playing card games, painting, and ceramics. She met her husband Gary 4 years ago; they fell for each other and became inseparable right away.

Gary remembers one of their first dates: a trip to New Mexico to celebrate a relative's 80th birthday party. As they were getting ready to head back home to Arizona, Gary asked Deborah whether she was in a hurry to get back and she said no. Next thing their friends and families know, they're riding the zip line on Fremont Street in Las Vegas. When they got back to Arizona, everybody thought they had eloped.

Deborah is survived by her husband, Gary in Mesa, Arizona; her son David (Abby) Karsten in St. Louis, Missouri; her grandchildren Estelle and Jonah Karsten; her brother Kenny Vanderpool in Russel, Iowa, step brother Junior (Linda) Simbro in Monroe, Iowa, as well as many friends and family throughout the United States.

A memorial will be arranged when we are able to gather together in person to celebrate Debbie’s life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven Jay Karsten (2005); and husband of 40 years, Terry Allen Karsten (2015).