Deborah Bell Cox

With great sadness, the family of Deborah Elaine Cox (nee Bell) reports her passing from this earthly existence on July 12, 2019 in Kingman, Arizona, at the age of 69. She is survived by her husband, Randy Ray Cox, with whom she was adventuring on Route 66 at the time of her death. She is also survived by her children: Randi Lappin (spouse, Richard) and Matthew Cox (spouse, Jessica); six grandchildren: Declan and Mya Sogge, and Raine and Conner Lappin. A fifth great-grandchild, Hadleigh Jo Lappin is expected in December 2019. Deborah is also survived by her siblings, Christy Bell and Phillip Bell. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Bell, Jr., and Billie Jo Bell (nee Lewis), and her sisters, Sheree Mock and Lisa Schneider.

Deborah married Randy in 1966 and, after graduating from R.L. Turner High School, developed her artistic talent while providing administrative support for her husband’s business. When her children were older, she explored that artistic talent, first by painting commissioned portraits, then opening an art and framing gallery, Touch of Texas. Later, she and Randy traveled the art show and competition circuit, indulging the desire to travel that characterized the last several years of her life.

A devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, Deborah visited her extended family often, though they were at times separated by the entire continental United States. When she could not be there in person, she utilized electronic video communication to maintain her relationship with the children, all of whom are devastated by her loss.

A Christian for nearly her entire adult life, Deborah was the epitome of Godly sacrifice. Selfless to her own detriment, she served others until she could do so no longer and she was taken far too soon. Although a Baptist by faith, she admired the Trappist Monastery casket her sister Sheree had requested. Accordingly, her name will be inscribed into their memorial book in the chapel, at New Melleray Abbey, Peosta, Iowa, and a tree will be planted in the forest. A mass of remembrance will be said at the Abbey church on September 25, 2019.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, July 26, 2019, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., at Rhoton’s Funeral Home in Carrollton, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held at Rhoton’s on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., followed by graveside services at Webb Chapel Cemetery in Farmers Branch, Texas 75234.