On July 7th, 2025, Deborah (Debbie) Kaye Melzer (Glaab) went on to join her beloved family in heaven. She will be welcomed by her mother, Betty Glaab (Ehlert), her grandparents Frieda (Burke) & Paul S Glaab, her brother Dennis, & her parents-in-law, Delton & Majelle (Anderson) Melzer.
Debbie was born as the first child & only daughter to Paul & Betty Glaab in St Louis, MO on June 16t, 1954. She pursued an education at Peru State College in Nebraska in business admin. After graduating, she went to work at Offut Air Force Base where she met the love of her life, Maynard Melzer. They were married on September 5th, 1975. Later, they went on to adopt two daughters in 1982 & 1989. They grew their family in Texas where Debbie pursued her passion & career in childcare & as a para-professional in teaching special education. Her primary focus was in gifted & talented children & children with disabilities. She never met a kid (or an animal) that she didn't like & the feelings were always returned in abundance. She adored her children & loved her grandkids even more (apparently, that's possible).
Debbie was a beacon & a magnetic force in our family. Always bringing smiles, light, joy & welcoming, open arms, ready for a hug. In line with her sunny personality, her favorite colors were yellow, peach, & orange & her favorite flowers were sunflowers, lilies, & daisies. Please, plant some in her memory, if you're able. She cherished the time she got to spend with family, hanging out, cooking, laughing, or playing cards with her dad & grandkids.
She will be watching over her husband Maynard of nearly 50 years, her daughters Kari (Chris Mutchler), & Tiffany (Matt Pitts); her father, Paul E. Glaab, her grandchildren: Josephine Melzer (Michael Ruiz), Izzy Perry, Layla Perry, Edgar Perry, Jaylynn Melder, Jordynn Melder, Nick, Hera, Jamie & Drake. Her brothers Rick (Dinah) Glaab) & Steve (Iris) Glaab. Her sister-in-law Sheri Van Vickle. Her nieces & nephews Angie (Jeremiah) Van Vickle, Justin (Becca) Glaab, Jessica (John Ellis) Glaab, Jeremy (Nicole) Glaab, Amy (David) Carpentier, Ryan (Ashley) Glaab, Kristi Glaab & all their children. Many extended family members & close, dear friends.
Debbie was a comfort & anchor to us all & her absence will always be noticed & profoundly felt. It's time to go tell the bees.