Debra Jo Barkdull

Debra Jo Barkdull 65, Bradenton, passed away July 29, 2020. She was born in Pomona, California on February 7, 1955. She lived in Washington and moved to Florida in 1996. She is pre deceased by parents, Ruth Dietals & Joseph Ruiz, her husband Robert Barkdull and son Jason Ribble. She is survived by her son Steve Duel of Spanaway, Washington, two daughters Andrea Vallo of Macy, Indiana and Shelly Yard of Peru, Indiana, two sisters Sandra Crow of Bradenton, Florida and Yvonne Duel of Rancho Cucamonga, California. She had seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Deb was a sweet, kind and loving sister. We were very close. In 2016 after several falls, I moved her in with my husband and I so I could care for her. She was company for my husband while I was working. He had Alzheimer's and had passed away six months later. She kept my spirits up and I was thankful she was here for me.

We had four special years together even though she was in and out of the hospital and nursing home several times. She always worked hard in physical therapy to get back home. She liked going to the movies, playing bingo and the slots. We went to Hard Rock Casino several times. She loved to fish and her and her husband went out on their pontoon on weekends while living in Washington. She liked to crochet and made hats for the homeless in the winter here. She made beautiful bedspreads too. She enjoyed our family gatherings for the holidays and all the good food.

Deb loved animals and was a big supporter of the Humane Society. She had a chihuahua, Bella and loved her dearly. She was heartbroken having to give Bella up when she moved to the long-term care facility. We gave her to my nephew, so she is still in the family.

I'm glad she was with me these past four years. We spent time together playing cards on the lanai, eating popcorn while watching movies laughing at the comedies and crying over the tear jerkers. Sometimes we just sat playing games on our iPad.

She will be with me always and I will miss her with all my heart every day.