Debra (Debbie) Bartels
July 3, 1954 ~ Oct. 14, 2023

Debra (Debbie) Lynette Bartels of Valley Mills peacefully passed away with her family by her side on October 14, 2023, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Waco.

Debbie was born on July 3, 1954, to Thomas and Janice Golden in Pampa, Texas.  Debbie and her family moved to Valley Mills when she was 6 months old and was where she proudly resided until her passing. She was a 1972 graduate of Valley Mills High School. On August 7, 1982, Debbie married the love of her life and longtime friend, Weldon Bartels. They raised three sons: Brandon (Lori), Baron (Jordan) and Brett.  Her greatest joys were her five grandchildren: Braxton, Lane, Ella, Jake, and Beckett. She loved watching them play baseball/softball, basketball, football, and volleyball as well as any activity they were involved in. If Debbie wasn't home on a weekend, you could most likely find her at a nearby ball field cheering on a grandkid.

As a child, Debbie enjoyed traveling the country on camping trips with her family including one of her favorite trips to Yellowstone National Park. Her fondest memories were with Weldon and her boys on their yearly summer vacations to Branson, Missouri.  Debbie worked for Texas New Mexico Power Company for 23 years where she enjoyed her days with colleagues who became great friends.   Without a doubt, Debbie's favorite time of the year was the Christmas season. She loved spending time with her family, showering her grandkids with gifts, and decorating her house with as many Christmas trees as she could.  She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Valley Mills where she was baptized as a teenager. She served the Lord by teaching children's Sunday school class, singing in the church choir, and volunteering with Vacation Bible School. She particularly cherished her time with her women's prayer group.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Janice Golden, her brother, Dr. Jerry Golden, father-in-law, Herbert Bartels, and mother-in-law, Bertina Bartels.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Weldon of 41 years; sons Brandon and wife Lori of Valley Mills, Baron and wife Jordan of Valley Mills, and Brett of Valley Mills; grandchildren Braxton, Lane, Ella, Jake, and Beckett Bartels all of Valley Mills; sisters Barbara McCarty and husband Jim of Dripping Springs, Brenda Schuetz and husband Bryant of Valley Mills, and sister-in-law Toni Edington and husband Don of Lubbock; sister-in-law Sharon Bartels of Valley Mills, sister-in-law Shirley Griffith and husband Marty of Granbury, and sister-in-law Denise Lane and husband Mark of Glen Rose; and numerous nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.
Debbie's sweet spirit lit up every room she walked into, and her family is forever grateful for her life. We are all better people for being cared for and loved by her.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the love and care the ICU nurses, doctors, and palliative care team provided during her stay in the hospital.

Visitation with the family will occur Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Foss Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Valley Mills.  Celebration of Life services will be held 10 AM  Friday, Oct. 20th,  at First Baptist Church Valley Mills.  Interment will follow at Valley Mills Cemetery.

Pallbearers:  Johnnie Gaidusek, Bryon Whitney, Miles Whitney, Chris Hillin, David Johnson, Terry McCarty  Honorary Pallbearers:  Donna Parker, Tammy Edgemon, Lee Ellen McAdams, Brady Schuetz, Bryce Schuetz, Barrett Schuetz, Kyle Griffith, Clint Griffith, Collin Lane, Colten Lane.

Debra Bartels Memorial Video

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Ministry of First Baptist Church, PO Box 627, Valley Mills, Tx. 76689

Please join us in remembering Debbie by signing our guest book at www.fossfuneralhome