Debra Gardner

Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Debra Kay (Nothomb) Gardner, loving daughter, sister and aunt, passed away at the age of 71.

Debra was born on August 24, 1953 in Columbus, Ohio, to Fredrick C. and Donna Lee (Brown) Nothomb. Debra was the eldest of 4 children to her sister, Robin Gard of Watauga, TX, and her two brothers, Eddie Nothomb of Austin, TX, and Dan Nothomb of Midland, TX. She spent her childhood and school-age years in Austin, TX, with the exception of kindergarten where she attended in Okinawa, Japan because that's where her father was stationed. In 1970, she graduated from David Crockett High School, Austin, TX.

Debbie spent her early adult life working, socializing and living her life to the fullest. Some of her best memories were of the times she went to California. Most especially the summer she spent in San Diego visiting her grandma Zita L (Venturi) Nothomb. Deb fondly remembered when Zita would make her the most amazing dresses and bathing suits. At the age 26 , Debbie met Harley Grant Gardner of Waltham, MA, who would later become her husband. They were married on February 14, 1981, at the home of her other grandma, Lillian (Yocum) Cobb of Euless, TX. The couple moved around a bit living in Bedford, TX, Boston, MA, and Hurst, TX. Unfortunately at the young age 50, Harley passed away on December 16, 2003 in Galveston, TX.

Working over the years, Debbie found a career in the medical field as a front of the office administrator. There she took to welcoming patients and helping to make their experiences a bit easier. Deb spent almost her life living in Texas, and found a real place for herself in North Richland Hills, TX. Here is where she cheerfully adorned her space for almost every holiday. she was ready for every season, but it was her abundance of decorations which let everyone in her family knew it was Christmas time!

Deb rarely left the house without her hair looking fab, her nails done, and her makeup looking perfect, especially her eyelashes. Debbie brought a bounty of life to everything she did…with her amazing smile and infectious laugh. In addition, she had the most remarkable ability to connect with her youngest family members, Allee (13), Jackson (9), Cooper(6), Hayden (11) and Noah (1), who completely adored her.

Debra was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Lee, her husband, Harley, and her grandmothers and grandfathers. She is survived by her father Fred, her sister, two brothers, as well as her nieces and nephew Rachel, Shelby and Tom Gard. Her extended family, her closest friends, include Barb, Connie, KK, Audra and Susan (who passed a few years ago), as well as her cousins and other relatives.