Name: Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home and Cemetery
Address: Houston, TX

Deb - It's been a little over a year since you left us.  What a huge whole there is in this world, in my little piece of the world, in my heart.  One of the things I loved the most about our relationship is it could be work related and personal @ the same time.  It's a hard mesh to find.  I remember you almost every day, remembering all the wonderful times you and I shared.  I loved you dearly!!

Dear Lindsey and Randy:

I just moved to Ft. Worth from Houston. it is one year since your family were there to bury your beloved mother and wife. I bet she is in your heart as life and love and laughter goes thinking of many happy memories that you guys share with Debbie. I wish I could have visited y'all. I missed her and I hope Buddy and Kalbi went to her as they took her to see 
God.

Take care of yourself, Lindsey and Randy. Be strong for each other... and SMILE!

Alice

It is so nice seeing Randy doing so well. I know Debbie would be so Proud.
Louise Adamson

What a tragic loss. I worked with Debbie on a number of HOH issues including producing the first, in the Nation, HOH public service announcement using HOH actors--  for which I was nominated for a Barbara Jordan Award in the 1980s. My heart goes out to her family and the HOH community in Houston, TX.

Thanks for being there for me during our trials with our sweet husbands. No words, but many memories. Love to you!

My heart goes out to Randy, Lindsey, my Aunt Meldine and Larry, Cousins - Pamela and Diana. The news was very much a shock and brought sadness to miss my beautiful Cousin who kept in touch; kind of like the glue to extended family. We know there is promise from our Heavenly Father of seeing Deborah again in a beautiful New World. I send my love to family.

Debbie, may your light  and memories shine bright in all your family and friend's Life.. As the Scarecrow in the Oz once said..."I'll miss you most of all".. Rest in Peace my boss and dearly beloved Friend.. 

Basil Reyna  (Post, Texas) aka  Houston Heights..

Debbie, 

I still think about you and miss you very much!

I used to work for Debbie as the Interpreter Coordinator at Sign Shares. I've literally just found out about her passing and would like to send my condolences to her friends and family. Debbie was a woman of integrity and stood up for her community. She was funny, intelligent, an excellent mentor, and, most definitely, a woman who appreciated the finer things in life. She made quite an impression on me and taught me a lot in the short time that I worked for her. Even after 12 years, I still think of her and am deeply saddened by her untimely passing. She will be greatly missed.

To The Gunter Family, My name is Sandy Sepeda Ramos. I'm praying for Debbie Gunter died recently. I visited there and my heart really grieftly and I'm praying everyday for my interpreter Gunter is very sweet and fond and my heart goes out for her. You are in my prayer. May God Bless all ur family.
          Sandy Sepeda Ramos \../_

Harold, I am sorry for the lost of your wife.  I really miss you in speach theapry. My heart goes out to you during this time of your lost.  Hang in there Herold, till we see each other in theapry, and we can laught again.
From Willie Davis

From the team at Dessange Paris hair salon,where Deborah was a loyal client,we send our deepest condolences,keeping Lindsey in our prayers.
Deborah you will be greatly missed.

We have lost a great colleague and friend. Debbie's legacy to the interpreting field will live on.

I met Debbie Gunter in the late 80's when I worked at Hermann Hospital, now Memorial Hermann in the Medical Center. She opened my eyes to a whole new world and in the process became both an assest and a treasured friend. I will miss her. She is a great personal loss and a tragic loss for our community of interpreters and the many thousands of people she helped through the years. The world was a much brighter place with her in it.My deepest condolences to her family.
Lillian Jones/Houston

I am so sorry to hear of Debbie's passing.  My first experience with sign shares was when Debbie and Randy graciously took me in for an internship in 1999.  I grew so much in the interpreting profession as well as a person. Thanks for a wonderful jump start to my career.  Praying for your family!

It has been a long time since I have been with Randy and Debora. It was apparent 33 years ago they were meant for each other. She was a vibrant and caring person .

I never had the chance to meet Debbie personally. I knew her as the wife of a classmate, Randy. Our class exchanged emails, got on Facebook and created a website for a reunion. Over the two or three years of this informal communication, I got such a kick out of Debbie's postings . She was funny, loving, outspoken, smart, feisty and deeply caring of this crazy old world of ours. Mostly, she adored her husband and daughter and her love came through shining. I know she will be so deeply missed by them, and by all who were touched by her warmth and wit.

We will truly miss Debbie at HARC. She was so full of so much information. Randy my heart goes out to you and your family, at this for you all.We hope to see you back at HARC soon. My prayers will be with you.

Deborah had showed me the business world and how it operated. I had used her example ever since. I was grateful to know and respect her. I know she will be missed by Deaf Communities as well Interpreters.
My prayers and thoughts are with her family members; especially Randy and Lindsay.
Ann Horn

I will miss you sorely. I will miss your hugs, smile and laughter. I will miss our lunches. I cannot believe you are gone. It is not fair and you have been such a positive influence on my life and profession. You are a very dear and special lady. Praying for you, Randy, Lindsey and all the family, blood related and other. I love you

Randy, she was interpreted me sometime. I am sorry for loss. I hope Randy will meet her in Heaven. I am surprising Deborah died early at her age. I am praying for her family and relations great memory of her. God bless you.

A great loss for both the Deaf community and the interpreting community. Deb - you will be sorely missed. Thank you so much for touching my life so many years ago!

We will miss you and all that you had to share with everyone.  Thank you for inviting me into Deaf community when I moved here.  My prayers of peace for your family.  Donna Van Der Horn, The Woodlands

I had the privlege of working with Debbie and Randy at Sign Shares and am so sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. THe very first time I ever saw her she was in an Illuminations production of "Midsummer Night's Dream" shadowing my friend's character.

Debbie - You became an instant friend your first trip to Michigan - the friendship strengthened this past October when you were here again.  I am so glad I was able to spend such precious time with you - you made me laugh like crazy during talks and I sobbed like a baby the last time I had to hug and we said goodbye.  I am lucky to have a spark of your life in mine.

I am in Houston for Christmas with my granddaughter [INTERPRETER for the  deaf]
Wendy Thomas having the word of Debbie
passing  away 'her gift to the world
in her work  with  the  ASL field of
INTERPRETING  for our  wonderful Deaf
community ' will  surly  be missed' I
Give my overall condolances to  the 
family (and  all who  knew  her)  
Shw will  be missed.
'm/  Betty Finn, Austin.Texas

There will never be another like Debbie Gunter. 100% awesome, talented,loving,encouraging and positive to everyone! A joy to know, to work for, to share experiences and  the love of our profession. She didn't know me except as an interpreter coming to live in Houston,TX for cancer treatment for my husband. She embraced Wayne and me and set me to work. Working helped me get through the fear of Houston, the fear of cancer, and the knowledge that someone in Houston cared about us.There is no other like Deborah.
Love always, Kitty and Wayne LaFountain

Randy,
I will surely miss Debbie. She taught me alot about interpreting. When I moved to Houston and had carpal tunnel surgery and was out of work for a year and a half she was waiting on my recovery to be complete. When I got to work with Sign Shares she went out and got me furniture that was ergonomically correct for me. I was very appreciative of that. She was an awesome lady and an inspiration. I will miss her dearly.

seems like no day will shine as bright as before December 15 2011, we lost light on this earth but have gained guidance from above. i know she will be watching over all of us help us through the harsh times and prepare us for the amazing times. thank you so much for all you did for me. i love you <3

Deborah was always an inspiration to me. I admired her excellent professionalism and outstanding mentor to all of us. I cherish all good times we have spent together, and I miss her laughs. Deborah and her family will always be in my heart. *Looking up at her in the glorious heaven and unstoppable handwave for her work* Love ya, Deborah.

I am sorry I missed the funeral.  A member of my own family passed away this weekend.  Debbie wss truly a great interpreter and a visionary for the field.  She founded the first interpreting agency in Texas.  Debbie always had her heart in the right place.  She was alwasy seeking ways to improve the field of interperting and interpreting training. She encouraged me to set up the BA program at the University of Houston as she feld that a 2 year training program was not sufficient for most trainees to develop the skills necessary to become qualifed interpreters.  She also interpeted at my temple for many years.
She was a great interpreter,but an even better person.  She was a wonderful person with a wonderful family and will surely be missed.




Michael Bienenstock

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends and employees of this great woman!

I have never been so saddened by the loss of someone in our profession as I have with the loss of this very SPECIAL LADY.  I will truly miss you Deb., but will always cherish the memories.  

Barbara Rogers (Houston,Tx.)

We lost a great leader. No words to express our sadness. May God bless her family

Debbie, she was my interpreter at Lee college in 1977, also few years later, I saw her again at st Lukes for my daughter born in 1987, and business attended with her in 1992..I truly love her as inspirational and strong lady and miss her so long...God bless with her family.

Deborah,  

You where the most influential person in Randy's life.  You really made him WHOLE.  You where so beautiful inside and out.  I can hear your laugh as I write.  

You will be missed more than you could ever know!  

May God Bless Your Soul and May the power of God be with Randy and Lindsey as they move forward in life.  

We cant imagine life without you, but the best gift we can give you is to BE STRONG and be the best we can be in life!  

Miss you.

PAW

While the Heavens will shine brighter in the night's sky, our lives here on earth will never be the same.  

Today, and for the times to come, you will be missed and always loved.

Randy and Lindsey,  I am thankful and feel quite fortunate for every moment of time I shared with Debbie.  Such a kind, thoughtful, considerate soul with an abundance of contagious energy!!!  You and your family will remain in my prayers and thoughts.

Debbie hired me when I was 19 years old and taught me so much about interpreting and life.  When I was in the hospital back in 1994 and thought I'd never be discharged, she visited me and confidently said I would be going to the Asian Deaf Conference later that year--she was right!  I am so thankful I got to see her this year at the TSID and RID Conferences.  I will miss her dearly and am forever grateful for her presence in my life.

debbie, please forgive me for not being able to make the trip to houston today as planned. 

i know i'd already wrote two messages. i still have one more thing to share. there is one thing i loved and still do about you is that you knew how to keep two things separate. when we didn't have same opinions or agreements or got into argument about anything, i never did have to worry about how those would affect our friendships and work relationships because i knew we would still be friends, work together, and talk to each others. This is one of many good about you! you were one of a few best friends I have and will always be wherever we are and go. once again, thank you so much, debbie! looking forward to seeing you again. Good night!

Debbie, you will be sorely missed! You inspired all of us to be better at what we love to do.  You set the bar high and helped to shape what it means to be an interpreter. You left us too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family members during this time of sorrow.

Words, however kind, 
can't mend your heartache: 
but those who care and 
share your loss wish you
comfort and peace of mind. 

May the sorrow you feel in your heart lighten by the love that surrounds you.

Dave Hancock
CAAG

We greatly miss her dearly...  Thank you for providing interpreters when we need them as well as you know what our needs were.   She was one of my all-time favorite interpreters and one of the best interpreters in this country.

Although I've only met Deborah once at a business meeting, I was quite impressed with her dedication in serving the deaf community and more with her sign language skills (which I'll admit were better than mine) despite the fact that she was not deaf.  She was quite a pleasant lady when I met her, and my condolences and sympathy go out to her family and good friends.

You will be missed and remembered for all you did and the impact you had on so many.

I AM SORRY TO HEAR HER SAD DEATH.. GOD BLESS THE FAMILY....AMEN

 Though I knew Deborah for just over a year through business connections, I knew her as a dedicated professional who provided much to the deaf community and held her family in the highest regard.  She will be missed by all who knew her. My sincerest condolences to the Gunter family.

Thank you, Debbie, for giving so richly to everyone you met. Your family is in my heart and prayers. Blessings to all.
Ginger Bennett
Leander TX

"Peace, Prayers and Blessings, to the Gunter family in your time of sorrow."

May the family of Ms. Gunter, be comforted by continuing to reflect on the wonderful memories you made together. How comforting it is to know that your loved one now asleep in mankind's common grave have the prospect of resuming life in a wonderful new world free of all the present-day causes of distress and death.

First got to know and work with Debbie in Houston in the early 80's.  Through the years we had many conversations and although we did not always see things on the same level there was understanding of  each other's respective opinions.  She leaves behind a tremendous legacy.  My condolences to her family and close friends/employees. The world is a better place for having known her.

I'm soreless missing Debbie so much.  I was saddened to hear about her passing away. It cant be!!! She is one year young than me.  We, Deaf American Postal Workers were enjoyed her being our interpreter back in 1986's. She was the greatest heart for us.  We dearly miss and love you all very much.  My prayers go for Debbie and her family.

I am so, so sorry.  God bless you and keep you in His loving hands....

Debbie, you will always be in the hearts of so many. You were a pioneer and a voice of reason and sensibility. You were a champion of the Interpreting Community and of the Deaf Community, bringing us together for the common good. My connection to you was through work, as interpreting services managers and business owners, working in our professional group at national conferences, and sharing ideas and information with each other in our email group. Over the years I saw you have such a consistent positive influence on your peers and in your field. I am grateful to have known you- it has been a pleasure and an honor.

Friday,December 16th, upon arrival at a healthcare interpreter seminar in Houston, at which I learned Deborah also wanted to attend, I was telling others of the tremendous presence and impact Deborah´s work has had in both the spoken and sign language interpreter industries that are impacting standards for best practices. Later that same morning, through one of Deborah´s employees seated beside me, I learned of Deborah´s passing. My respect for Deborah over the years has been unwavering and it would be of no surprise if Deborah has already been appointed to set up Sign Shares at her final resting place. 
Though Deborah´s departure is deeply heartfelt, her legacy is thriving.  Here´s to you Deborah, a giant of a role model with much class and savviness...

Deborah, you were my great Lee College interpreter in 1976 and I'll never forget that my daughter and I were invited to your wedding I loved so much and had fun with you, Lee College interpreters, friends, and your family. I'll miss you very, very much.  
Please accept my sympathy, Mr. Gunter, your daughter and family.

Deborah, you were my great Lee College interpreter in 1976 and I'll never forget that my daughter and I were invited to your wedding I loved so much and had fun with you, Lee College interpreters, friends, and your family. I'll miss you very, very much.  

Please accept my sympathy, Mr. Gunter, your daughter and family.

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Debbie, you are deeply missed in the Deaf and interpreter communities. Your involvement in the healthcare and others paved the best quality of communication in the Deaf community who need the interpreters. Know you as strong advocate and businesswoman who cared so deeply. Deaf ran in your blood and dreamed for the best. You did on this earth. Debbie, thank you for doing this from my heart. I will miss you. Debbie, ILY in my handshape. My deepest sympathy goes to her family members and Randy.

Debbie, you are deeply missed in Deaf and interpreter community. You cared so deeply and involved in healthcare and others to pave the better communication for the Deaf. I always will cherish this because Deaf ran in your blood. Thank you for what you did on this earth.

Dearest Debbie,
I made an appt and ask for ur name on request after I'm done on my vp. then I go check my facebook and find out that u died that day in the morning at the same time I made request for ur name. I  miss u very much. Thank u for everything u had done for all of us deaf communities in Texas and sign shares all that u was there for me in the court and hospital and many others place. I love u so much. May God take good care of ur spirit. May u rest in spirit also. I love u.
                Sandy Sepeda Ramos \../_

Debbie, your legacy will live on within all our hearts. I love you and your family very much. You set the stage for the entire deaf community, Sign Shares will continue strong in your name always. No one can ever take your place.

We will always remember you, Debbie.  You have been a positive force in our lives.

Dear Randy and Lindsey:

I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Debbie. This is not supposed to happen to someone so young. I cannot even imagine your shock and grief. Debbie was an inspiration to all interpreters, and opened up so many opportunities for the deaf community. We have all lost someone dear to our hearts, and my heart goes out to you both for your terrible loss and great tragedy. Peace be with you.

Our hearts are heavy with heartbreak about Debbie's death. Debbie's spirit will always be around to comfort you. Debbie we all miss you greatly. As I look at Debbie's pictures, I know her spirit is still surrounding us no matter where we are. We love you Debbie
I want to send my condolences to Lindsey, Randy and her animals. 
Thank you for setting up Sign Shares and being supportive of the Deaf Community.
You will be in our thoughts every day.
Rachelle Guidry & Kareena Heath (Houston, TX)

     You believed in me and didn't hesitate to hire me.  You opened the door and brought me into the Interpreting Community as you have with many other interpreters.  I have been forever touched by the experiences I have had working for you and I thank God for allowing me to have met you.  I could NOT have had a better mentor.  My prayers for God's love to blanket your family with strength in this time of grief. 
     The Deaf Community has truly lost a precious jewel that will FOREVER shine in our hearts.

You were a blessing to serve with and a joy to work for.  You made me proud to be an interpreter and inspired me to always strive to do better.  We are not ready to be without you.....

You were amazing a person to have a very good heart for everyone... 
God bless you and you family..

Don and Patricia Sah, Cypress, Texas

Debbie,

Thank you so much for everything you had done for us and the deaf communities in Texas. You had done so much for everyone in both deaf and hearing communities. I tresure all good memories I had with you when we did community education when we worked for the Coalition of Barrier Free Living back in '80's. We always had fun and made the best teamwork! I remember those year with you like yesterday. I will miss you and always think about you. ILY, Debbie!

Randy and Lindsey,

I can't tell you how heartbroken I was to have learned about my dearest friend's passing.I did not want to believe the news when it was delivered to me. I am so sorry, Randy nd Lindsey. May God bless you both in the hours of sorrow. I'll be with you all Monday. My prayer and thought are with you.

No words can express my love and admiration for you Deb. You were a one of a kind, priceless gem in this crazy world. You had a love of life that is comparable to no one. I am thankful I had 4 years of your life light shining on me and am a better person because of you. You had a wonderful and positive impact on my daughter Britany that will remain in her forever. Thank you for being YOU!! You will be remembered in my heart and soul forever. I Love You!!
Katherine Berry

Debbie, you were an inspiration to my life.  I enjoyed every minute in your presence.  The Deaf and Hearing communities loss someone precious.  I will love and think of you often.  God Bless This Sweet Soul.

We greatly miss my dearest friend/interpreter, Deborah. She was so wonderful role to us deaf, hard of hearing, & hearing peoples. She is always in our heart. We love her very much. She are in better place. Her family and relatives are in our prayers.

We are sorry to hear about her sudden death.  We do miss her.  She always encouraged people to have something to do.  She was interperter at Lee College.  My husband was student in 1976.  She encouraged students to give my husband a surprise baby shower.  Debbie called his parent and invited them to come to the party.  They brought me to the party.  James was surprised.  Debbie always encouraged everyone.  
She is in peace.  You are in our prayer.
James and Julie Spaulding

OBITUARY

Deborah Sue Gunter

June 29, 1953 – December 15, 2011

Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home and Cemetery

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