Debra Ann Raiford

Debra Ann Raiford, lovingly known to most as Debbie, mom and grandma, passed away suddenly at her home. She was68 years old. She was born on January 23, 1957, in Bell, California, to Farrol Calvin Cook and Bessie Jean McPhie, and spent her childhood in Norwalk, California, where she formed many of the memories and values that shaped her life.

Debbie lived in Fort Mohave, Mohave County, Arizona, with her beloved husband, Allan Raiford, and her nephew, Gary Showalter, who was like a son to her and held a special place in her heart.

◦ She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend whose kindness and steady presence touched everyone who knew her. She leaves behind her five adult children: Robyn Hastings Maria (Christophe), Anthony Garcia (Misty), Michael Garcia (Amy), Daniel Roland (Shanna) and Richard Cook who proceeded her in death.

Debbie was blessed with a large and loving posterity. She is survived by 22 grandchildren and 11 great‑grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

Debbie found joy in the simple, meaningful rhythms of life. She loved to sew, creating things with her hands that reflected her creativity and care. She treasured traveling with her husband, Allan, making memories together wherever the road led them. At home, she delighted in caring for their dogs, Boscoe, Rosie, and Kona who brought her daily companionship and happiness.

She had a deep love for nurturing and creating. Debbie tended her garden with patience and pride, baked bread that filled her home with warmth, and crafted herbal tonics she generously shared with family and friends. She made quilts for her family, each one stitched with intention and love, and she enjoyed exploring new crafts such as rug making and basket weaving. Her hands were always busy, and everything she created carried a piece of her heart.

Those who knew Debbie will remember her unmistakable spark. She was kind and generous, always willing to help, but she was also a firecracker — strong, stern when needed, and honest to the core. She had a way of making sure things got done, and done right. Her blend of warmth, grit, and straightforward truth made her unforgettable.

Debbie faced many hard things in her life, and she met each challenge with courage. Those experiences shaped her into a woman of depth, compassion, and remarkable strength. She became a wonderful, loving human being who lifted others through both her tenderness and her tenacity.

Her life was defined by a deep love for her family, quiet strength, and a strong will. Debbie’s legacy lives on in the people she nurtured, the relationships she built, and the memories she leaves behind.