Debra Ruth Cruickshank

Debra Ruth Cruickshank (née Blomquist), affectionately known as Debi, passed away on August 10, 2024, in Elgin, Texas at the age of 72. Born on May 15, 1952, in Willmar, Minnesota, she grew up in a loving household as the daughter of James Allen and Lois Carmen Blomquist.

Debi graduated from Fairborn Baker High School in 1970 and embarked on a distinguished career with the Federal Government. Her service spanned over 35 years, including significant roles at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Morale, Welfare, Recreation (MWR) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. She dedicated over 30 years to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in Austin, Texas, where she made countless contributions to her community and country. She loved working for the Taxpayer Advocate Service as she personally assisted taxpayers in resolving their problems with the IRS. She was also very passionate and proficient in training new hires and seasoned employees at IRS.

A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, Debi's family was her pride and joy. She is survived by her son, Ronald Eric Swain; daughter, Angela Danielle Swain; grandchildren, Dayton Myles Swain, John Anthony Swain, and Isabel Marie Swain; and great-granddaughters, Lillyana Sophia Mejia and Aubri Amilia Morris. She is also survived by her sister, Susan Rae Truax (née Blomquist), Dale James Blomquist, nephews Randy Neil Blevins and Austin Blomquist as well as niece Chelsea Renee Sodders (née Blomquist). Debi extended her love to many and considered many dear friends as her family members to include Richard Hurst, son and Warren Leon Morris III, grandson as well as embraced the in-laws and the Martinez family. They all played a huge part in Debi’s life and she in theirs. Debi was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lois Blomquist; niece, Stacy Renee Blevins and partner, Timothy Kleeberger.

Throughout her life, Debi had a passion for travel, having explored Europe, Canada, the Caribbean islands, and Mexico. She was also a talented pianist in her early years, playing at Maple Heights Baptist Church in Fairborn, Ohio. Debi's zest for life and adventure was evident in her plans to visit her final three states in May 2025 —Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.

Services to honor Debi's life will be held at Cook-Walden Capital Memorial Park, 14501 North IH 35, Pflugerville, TX, on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 2:00 pm. The arrangements are being handled by Cook-Walden Memorial Parks.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Austin Animal Shelter, an organization close to Debi's heart and her dear friend, Robin Sirles. Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for her family and community will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.