She was born on January 13, 1951, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Roy Henry Hitzfeld and Florence Louise (Ivey) Hitzfeld.
Debbey and her three siblings were raised in Victoria, where their father worked a lifelong career with Holt/Caterpillar. As a student at Victoria High School, Debbey was active in the marching band, serving as quarter master and playing the clarinet. These early years built the foundation for her lifelong friendships, love of community, and deep appreciation for learning.
Her greatest passion was education for young children. Debbey dedicated her career to ensuring every child had access to a high-quality, enriching education. She spent many years at Nazareth Academy, O’Connor Elementary, and Torres Elementary, where she became known not only as a gifted teacher but as a colleague, friend, and mentor whose kindness and humor lifted those around her. She had a special place in her heart for students with learning differences, working tirelessly to help them enjoy and accelerate in school. Even after retirement, she continued to teach children to read, touching countless young lives in the process. Her circle of fellow educators became her extended family, affectionately nicknamed “The Whales.”
Outside the classroom, Debbey’s life was rich with passions and personality.
She loved being “Nana” to her beloved grandchildren, listening to Bruce Springsteen, cracking open a brand-new hardback book, and spending hours in libraries (where friends joked she must have her own parking space). She had a generous spirit in the kitchen, cooking in big batches so she could share with others. Friends and family will remember her delicious chili, mashed potatoes, PawPaw’s fudge, and cream puffs — meals she often delivered or invited loved ones to pick up. She was also known for her sharp mind, love of Trivial Pursuit, and the endless riddles she shared with her students.
Debbey had a quick wit, a great laugh, and a style all her own — never without her signature red lipstick, even at the pool. She could sing along to every rock song from the '60s–’80s, hearing the music even in a noisy room. She kept her home neat and inviting, making those around her feel cared for and comfortable.
To her grandchildren, she was endlessly kind, funny, and thoughtful — bringing Cimarron cookies even when money was tight, making the house feel cozy, and taking care of pets as if they were her own.
Debbey is survived by her son, Werner (Bucky) Albert Hartman III, and wife Holly; daughter Megan Carvajal and partner, Mick; daughter-in-law, Patty; grandchildren Gram, Kennedy, Marley, Lennon, and Ruby; great-granddaughter Cathaleya; sister Betsy Crane and husband Mike; brother-in-law Mike Schmidt; and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Cheryl Schmidt, brother Roy Henry “Bubba” Hitzfeld, and her lifelong, most treasured friend Judy Kruppa, with whom we know she is now laughing hysterically and celebrating their reunion.
Visitation will be held at LifePointe Church, 8150 Nursery Dr, Victoria, TX, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.
Services are under the care of Rosewood Funeral Home. Flowers are welcome, and the family will also accept donations of new or gently used children’s books for the Friends of the Victoria Public Library in memory of Debbey.
