Deborah Barksdale

Deborah Jeanette Barksdale (Sanders) passed away suddenly on July 12, 2024, at the age of 73. She was a loving devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a friend to many. Debbie was born April 24, 1951, in St. Louis, MO and a 1969 graduate of Laboure High School and retired from Verizon. Debbie is survived by her children Mandy Ledbetter, Tara (Lance) Hill, Joshua Dietrich and Kate (Al) Smith. She was a proud Mema to Jordan, Jacob, Markus, Tanner, Riley, Clayton, Tristan, Alaina, Brooklyn, Tyler (Tamara), Olivia, Brianna, McKenna as well as a great Mema to Gabriel, Vanessa and Leo. A dear sister to Donna (Jim) Kraatz, Sue (Len) Toedebusch and sister-in-law Gladys Sanders.

Deborah is preceded in death by her late husband Rush Barksdale who was the love of her life, her loving parents, James & Margaret Sanders, brothers, Jim, Bob, and Terry (Marie) Sanders.

 Debbie lived life with her husband Rush of 41 years who she adored. Together they raised their 3 children in Texas before moving back to St. Louis in ’87 to be close to her family. They purchased their little piece of heaven of 5 acres where together they owned many horses. She enjoyed long horseback rides with her husband through the parks. One of her favorite pass times was sitting on her deck with Rush and watching her horses in the pasture. She was a lover of all animals but her love for her dogs Raven, Gretchen, Sasha and Ede was her heart. Her favorite hobbies were reading and crafting. She was talented and could do almost anything. Her Christmas ornaments were the best! Debbie loved spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed family functions where she could see her family together. Her favorite place to visit was the ocean. She loved to sit and watch the waves come and go, listening to the sounds. She was a simple woman, she lived modestly and loved to do things for others. Debbie had a heart of gold and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A Memorial will be held on August 11th from 12pm – 4 pm at Pitman Reception Center next to Pitman Funeral Home at 1543 Wentzville Pkwy, Wentzville, MO 63385. If you would like to send flowers for the Memorial service being held on August 11th, please send to Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville.