Debora Ross Turnbull, 59, of Raleigh, NC, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2013 following a courageous battle with brain cancer. Debora was born on August 11, 1954 in South Bend, IN to Charles and Emily Ross.
Debbie is survived by her husband of 30 years, Grant; identical twin sister, Barbara Marsh (and Larry Marsh) of Lake Waukomis, MO; sisters, Susan Ross of Seattle, WA and Nancy Ross of South Bend, IN; brother-in-law, Scott Turnbull (and Shirley Turnbull) of Sacramento, CA; sister-in-law Jill Gardner of Endwell, NY; nieces and nephews, Carl Ross-Works (and Leanne Ross-Works) of Naples, FL, Brandon Turnbull (and Stephanie Turnbull) of Sacramento, CA, Keris and Grant Gardner of Endwell, NY.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Allen Ross and her mother, Emily Jane Peterson Ross.
Debbie graduated from Purdue University as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She received her Masters of Arts from Texas Tech University. Debbie was employed by IBM for 30 years. In her most recent assignment, she developed an expertise in international trade and security. She traveled worldwide representing IBM. In addition, she was elected Vice-Chair of The Private Sector Consultative Group to the World Customs Organization, a worldwide role representing multinational corporations to governments.
With Grant, Debbie enjoyed traveling extensively. Recently, they were able to complete her “bucket list” with trips to Alaska and the Grand Canyon.
Debbie found joy in home renovation projects and working in her garden, an activity she referred to as “garden yoga”. She enjoyed challenging herself with all types of physical activity. She had a wide circle of friends with whom she enjoyed mountain biking, water skiing, boating, watching college football and playing Bunco. Debbie and her sister Barb loved being together, they referred to it as Twin Time.
Debbie loved decorating the house and yard for all seasons and holidays. Her favorite holiday was Halloween when she would eagerly await young trick or treaters. Friends looked forward to her Halloween party where costumes were expected.
Visitation for friends and family will be held Thursday, October 24, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s St. Raleigh, NC 27605. Funeral services will follow on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.
The family thanks Dr. Annick Desjardins, Michele Bradsher and everyone at the Duke Cancer Center for their excellent care, compassion and friendship.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. Information on how to donate is provided on the BTC website: www.cancer.duke.edu/btc/modules/waytohelp10/index.php?id=2.
Messages for the family may be shared at www.BrownWynne.com.
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