Debra K. Conley, 63

Our beautiful mother, Debra Kay Conley age 63 of Bryan was blessed to walk through the gates of Heaven on July 30th. Deb was a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister. Deb retired from Walmart and Circle K, where she worked for many years. She held several industrial jobs, but she found most joy working with the public, where she got to meet many people and make lifelong friendships. She loved her children with all her heart, but grandkids were her pride and joy. Her grandchildren meant the world to her, and she will forever be missed by them.

Deb was born September 9, 1959, in Hicksville Ohio to the late Jerry and Bonita (Mock) Conley. She leaves behind three children Raymond Ridgway of Montpelier, Kyle (Olivia) Ridgway of Bryan and Amanda Ridgway of Sherwood. Her grandchildren Adam Spangler, Landon Ridgway, Kyndal Spangler, Kylee, and Nevaeh Ridgway. Her siblings David Conley of Bonanza Arkansas, Dean (Donna) Conley of Hicksville, Donna (Pablo) Cuenca of Montpelier, Darla Conley of Bryan, Kimberly Coronado of Ft. Wayne. She is proceeded in death by both her parents, brothers Jeffrey “Jack” and Alva Conley.

Deb was raised by her parents in Hicksville, she was the oldest of eight children. As a child, Deb enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, and doing gymnastics outside. You could always find her outside doing cartwheels and flips. Deb would play school with all her siblings; she was the strictest teacher out there, but all her siblings could write their names as toddlers. This is one of the things that they all laugh about and remember to this day. You could always find Deb with a camera snapping pictures at all the events. Capturing every family moment, this was very special to her. Deb was always infatuated with Barbie. This infatuation soon turned into a collection. Deb could tell you anything and everything you could ever want to know about Barbie and Mattel.

Deb raised her kids in Williams County, it was tough being a single mother, but you couldn’t tell. She would often work two or three jobs to make sure the kids were taken care of. She was the best mother with a great sense of humor. She was a true mama bear as Kyle would refer to her as she was a true protector of her kids. Her children were her best friends, and they could always rely on her for anything that they needed. She gave unconditional love no matter what. She taught us how to grow up and be responsible- it took long enough but we finally got here. She was also a mom to a several neighborhood kids growing up. She was someone that they could talk to and ask for advice. She will be missed dearly for her million phone calls and texts every day. Her memories will leave a lasting impression in our hearts.

In Deb’s later years, she retired early from retail due to some health issues. This gave her the opportunity to spend more time with her siblings. One of her greatest memories is going to see Willie Nelson where her and her sister Kim would stand up to the front of the stage and take pictures and cry. They would also go on to see Tim McGraw, where Deb got to touch his arm, she was latched on and wouldn’t let go. This is something that they continue to joke about to this day. Deb loved to spend time joking around and remembering the good times.

Deb greatest accomplishment is being a grandmother. This out of all things in her life she was most proud of. Her grandbabies could never do any wrong in her eyes. She loved them and spoiled them as much as she could. She was happiest when she was around them. They would be the last thing she thought about before bed and the first thing she thought about in the morning. She would always get caught sneaking the kids candies and cookies when they wouldn’t eat their dinner. She would do anything she could to see a smile on their faces. She had a special bond with them that could never be broken. She was always proud to have a bonus grandson Adam who she loved just like the rest. No matter how hot it was you could find her cheering for Landon at his baseball games, and dodging balls at his basketball games. She would be cheering and screaming for him, and always telling everyone “That’s my grandson”. She was so proud of Kyndal for being so smart and placing in the spelling bee. She enjoyed her sarcastic wit and funny comebacks. She was always so proud of Kylee for being so kind and loving. She seen a lot of herself in Kylee for always making sure her little sister was cared for just like she did with her siblings. She loved the fact that Nevaeh (Willa) took the same love for Barbies as she did. Nevaeh always knew that grandma (Gabby) would have special surprises at her house all she had to do is say I want grandmas and she was off to get a small treasure. Her grandchildren will cherish her for the selfless way she was and for always loving them as much as she did.