Debra Lynn Mathena Linkous

Debra Lynn Mathena Linkous, age 61, of Ocklawaha, Florida passed away on September 21, 2024, at Advent Health Ocala Hospital. Debbie was born on March 18, 1963, in Ocala, Florida to Jack and Ruth Ann (Balboni) Mathena.

Debbie graduated from Vanguard High School – Class of 1980. In her younger years, Debbie enjoyed riding horses and excelled in dressage. Debbie was creative and crafty, and was very talented in sewing, drawing, and painting. She was well-known for her beautiful handmade quilts, purses, clothing, and Christmas ornaments. She and her oldest daughter, Casey, often found projects to work on together, especially projects for her grandchildren. She and her youngest daughter, Brittany, enjoyed painting ceramics together. She often gifted her handmade treasures to her family and friends, and her works are displayed in their houses and in her grandkids’ bedrooms.

Her husband, Ron, was the love of her life and she often called him her ‘gift from God.’ Together, they enjoyed date nights, cruises, and watching The Chicago Cubs. She and her mother shared their passion for reading Debbie Macomber books, and often exchanged books between them. Debbie, her mother, and her oldest daughter loved to watch Hallmark movies together. Spending time with family, friends, traveling and lounging on the beach were among the things that made her happy. Her biggest joy was spending time with her two grandchildren who affectionately called her Mimi.

Debbie was an account manager for Lassiter Ware in Leesburg for 10+ years and was in the insurance industry for over 30 years. While residing in Groveland, Florida, she was a member of Lakeside Church in Oakland. Debbie later moved to Ocala in 2022.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 26 years, Ronald J. Linkous; daughters, Casey (Wayne) Nichols and Brittany (Adam) Nitsch; parents, Jack and Ruth Ann Mathena; two grandchildren, Brayden and Madelyn Nichols and her cherished fur babies, Beau and Callie.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm with a Memorial Service at 12:00 pm at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34480. The family encourages everyone to wear casual attire. Debbie would have wanted everyone to be comfortable!

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting to honor Debbie with memorial donations to the American Kidney Fund at give.kidneyfund.org.

Arrangements entrusted to Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Ocala, Florida. Fond memories and words of comfort may be made at www.ForestLawnOcala.com for the Linkous family.