Debra Starr Schmidt, age 64 of Waverly, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday, April 19, 2020.
Debbie was the daughter of Buren and Opal (Zimmerman) Alexander, born on August 9, 1955, in Princeton, Missouri. She attended school in Bethany, Missouri and graduated in 1973. On February 14, 1994, Debbie married Terry Wayne Schmidt in Saline County, Missouri.
She was very involved with, and loved by the residents during her employment as the Activities Director at John Knox Village in Higginsville, Missouri, for many years, and Apple Ridge Care Center in Waverly until her retirement. Debbie loved to go fishing with her husband, especially at the Lake of the Ozarks. She liked reading a good book, working in her vegetable and flower gardens, and always looked forward to going “up home” and spending time visiting and playing games with her family and many friends. Debbie was known to be a strong willed woman and when faced with her illness, was determined to fight as hard as she could, and did her best to remain optimistic until her passing. She was a member of the Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Mount Moriah, Missouri.
Debbie is survived by her beloved husband, Terry of the home; her daughter, Gini Vance and significant other Charles of Ridgeway, Missouri; father-in-law, Oscar Schmidt, Jr. of Alma, Missouri; two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law, Marvin and Lori McKinney of Waverly, Missouri, and Cody and Sarah Schmidt of Waverly, Missouri; two nephews, Drew Schmidt of Waverly, Missouri, and Jeff Lomax and significant other Debbie of Bethany, Missouri; two nieces, Ava Schmidt of Waverly, Missouri, and Stacy Germann and husband Daniel of Omaha, Nebraska; two great-nephews; six great-nieces; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Buren and Opal Alexander; two brothers, Tom and David Alexander; one sister, Rita Lomax; and her mother-in-law, June Schmidt.
A Private Family Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 24, 2020, at Bittiker Funeral Home, Carrollton, Missouri.
For those who would like to make a memorial contribution, the family respectfully requests they be made to Lafayette County Cancer Coalition, Waverly Apple Ridge Care Center, or Mount Moriah Baptist Church. They may be left at or mailed to Bittiker Funeral Home, P.O. Box 223, Carrollton, Missouri, 64633.
Please share your condolences with the family by visiting www.bittikerfuneralhomes.com and click on the obituaries link.