Debra "Deb" Susan Splawn-Ratlingourd

Debra, or Deb to her many family and friends, was born on May 1st,1955, in Colorado Springs, CO, the daughter of Paul and Norma (Cron)Splawn. She grew up with one brother, PD and one sister, Kathy. The family relocated to Konawa, OK and it was here that Deb graduated from high school and decided she wanted to dedicate her life to educating others about the beauty and wisdom of the Native American People. She attended Northeastern State University, majoring in Native American Genealogy and traditions. She taught at the Cherokee Nation at enlightening people about her passion, the Cherokee People and their culture. A Cherokee artisan, Deb did beautiful beadwork and her basket weaving was intricate. She would forage through nature, looking for the authentic dyes, and supplies with which to do her art. Her stories of the Cherokee people were wonderful, full of detail and how life came to be in this area. Gardening was also one of her moments in nature, and her grandchildren were often invited to help with the upkeep. The outdoors was where she found her peace, often horseback riding or spending a little time fishing on the lake. She loved people, especially her own children and grandchildren. She was the proud mother of two sons and one daughter, Michael Paul, Kevin Derrick and Jamie Dawn. She adored them and so very proud of all of their accomplishments. Her grandchildren hung the moon. She had an independent streak, and was headstrong and a true one of a kind. She could easily express her desires on any subject. The view from her own backyard was where she gathered strength, and readied herself for another day. She passed from this life on January 3rd, 2023, in her own home surrounded by those that loved her most, she was 67 years old. The world is a better place because Debra made the light a little brighter.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, her mother and father, one brother, PD Splawn and several aunts and uncles.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Michael Paul Campbell Sr of Tahlequah, Kevin Derrick Campbell of Hulbert, and Jamie Dawn Christie and husband Michael Dale of Cookson, OK. She leaves her sister, Kathy Smith of Midwest City, OK. Deb will live on in her beloved grandchildren, Tehya Amochee Christie of Tahlequah, Taylor Tenae Campbell of Oklahoma City, Michael Paul Campbell Jr. of Tahlequah, Kaden Derrick Campbell of Stilwell, Aiyana Chenoa Christie of Cookson, and Charley Dale Christie also of Cookson. Her two very special great grandchildren include Jackson Royce Grey of Florida and Michael Paul Campbell III also of Florida. There are also very many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Debra Susan “Deb”Splawn-Ratlingourd will be held on Monday, January 9th, 2023 at 10:00AM at Reed-Culver Funeral home with her family paying tribute to her life and legacy. Her honorary pallbearers include Mike Christie, Gavin Hinton, Tanner Wood, Brandie Nakedhead, Cyndi Flynn, Anita Christie and Bobbie Sue Girdner.

Her family will have a time of visitation prior to services.Online condolences for her family may be left at www.reedculver.com.