Deborah Ray Cartwright

Debbie was born on July 23, 1959, in Lampasas, TX to George and Margie Ray. Shortly after, she and her family relocated to Austin, TX. Growing up, Debbie enjoyed spending time with her older sister, Brenda, and younger brother, Sherman. She was a member of Anderson Lane Baptist Church and later Bethel Baptist Church. Debbie graduated from Lanier High School in 1977. After high school she began working for Texas Department of Public Safety. In 1983 she married the love of her life, Waylan Dean Cartwright. Debbie and Dean had a long and very happy marriage and recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. The couple welcomed their daughter Lindsey in 1986 and their son Lucas in 1989. Debbie eventually retired from the state at the end of 2011 after 32 years of service.

Debbie was a huge sports fan. She loved the Texas Longhorns, Houston Texans, Houston Astros, San Antonio Spurs, and NASCAR. She never missed the Olympics or one of her kid’s sporting events. However, her favorite past time was planning and participating in family gatherings and playing games. Even if the occasional game of spoons got out of hand. Debbie also loved reality TV and never missed a season of Survivor. Debbie was an avid reader and loved sharing her favorite romance novels with her mother, daughter, and nieces. She was a fan of all kinds of music and could often be caught singing at the top of her lungs. If she didn’t know the words, she would make up her own lyrics. Debbie’s favorite vacations were ones that involved the casino. She took many family trips to Las Vegas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. She could often be heard cheering at the slot machine. Big money, no whammies! Debbie had a very giving heart. She often helped others in need. She loved buying people gifts. If you needed something and she could help, she would help you. Most of all, Debbie loved spending time with her family, and making others feel welcomed.

Debbie is proceeded in death by her parents, George and Margie Ray; her in-laws, Walter and Beatrice Cartwright; brothers in law, Dennis Clear, Dale Cartwright, and Don Cartwright; and sisters in law, Rita Ingram and Gaylan Kilgore. Debbie is survived by her loving husband Dean Cartwright of Elgin; daughter Lindsey and husband Dustin Strid of Smithville; son Luke Cartwright of Elgin; grandson Kaleb Strid of Smithville; and her beloved dog, Champ. She is also survived by her sister Brenda Clear and brother Sherman Ray of Elgin; sisters in law, Gayle Henson and Lola Bartling of Velma, OK and Diane Bass of Centennial, CO; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Debbie was loved by all who knew her and will be missed tremendously.