Debra Jean (Branch) Strahl

strahl

Debra Jean (Branch) Strahl, 60, of Bosqueville, passed away Friday, August 15th at a local hospital after a short illness. A private family viewing is planned. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.

Debra was born July 30, 1954 in La Jolla, CA. The family moved to the Waco area when Debra was a child. She married Robert Lee Strahl on October 1, 1999. She worked for Brazos Higher Education Service Corporation for 26 years, retiring in 2009.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Branch.

Survivors include husband of 15 years, Robert Strahl of Bosqueville; daughter, Kelli McCollum and husband Warren of Lufkin along with their daughters, Madeline and Elizabeth; stepson, Joe Strahl and wife Stephanie of Cushing, along with their children, Jaxon and Emily; mother, Bonnie Branch of Waco; brothers, Joe Branch and wife, Brenda of Waco, Danny Branch and companion Joy of Evant, William Branch and wife Candy of Waco, and John Branch and wife Jodi of Waco; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family acknowledges a special thanks to Baylor Scott and White Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Baylor Scott and White Hospice Care.

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Condolence Messages

  1. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Kelli, on the loss of your mother. I remember spending lots of time at your home when we were young, and your mom was always so kind to me, allowing me to be around alot, particularly when my own mom was ill. I will always remember Debbie fondly. Prayers for strength and peace for her family and loved ones.

  2. Kelli, Robert, Bonnie and the entire Branch family, I am very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers.

  3. Lori & Stuart Holle

    Joe & Branch family, we are so sorry to hear of your sister’s death. Hang onto your memories as they will comfort you. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

  4. Mary Cole Caldwell

    Robert & family, I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words that will ease your pain but know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. RIP Debbie.

  5. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayer is that the family will find comfort in fond memories of Debra. Love and sympathy to all. Viola Denny

  6. Robert, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayer is with you and your family. RIP Janet

  7. Robert and Family,so sorry ,my prayers are with you God be with you and yours,

  8. Robert & family, I am very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I know this time is very painful. Lots of love, hugs and prayers to all the family. Sarah & Frank Packwood

  9. Robert an Debras family,
    Dan an I send our prayers to all of you during this time. Debra was a very sweet an warm hearted person.

  10. Robert, Kelli and families,
    I am so sorry that you lost sweet Debbie. I will keep your family in my prayers and ask for peace, understanding and comfort for all of you.
    Blessings,
    Jackie

  11. Kelli, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  12. Dear Kelli and family. I was so sorry to hear about your Mom’s illness and passing. It is always hard to lose our parents no matter what the circumstances. I ran into her and her husband about 5 years I guess…and it was so good to see her. She was so proud of your marriage and your girls of course. I remember that she was so good at making crafts and things. We still have a metal etching she made for us. Bless you Kelli. Ed sends his regards as well. Leslie & Ed Kinchen

  13. Murray and Greta Watson

    Robert and family, We extend our sincere sympathy on the loss of Debbie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  14. Robert and Kelli. I am so sorry to learn of Debbie’s passing. You and your families are in my prayers. Debbie was so proud of you all, and she was a very good person to all.

  15. Robert and family, I was saddened to learn of Debbie’s passing. I met Debbie when I began work at BHESC in 2001. She was actually the one who recommended me to take her place when she retired. She was a faithful employee, and I really enjoyed working with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your loved one.
    Sincerely,
    Susan Davis

  16. Robert and family. My sincerest sympathy for the loss of Debbie. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  17. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  18. Robert and family, You have my sincere sympathy on the loss of Debbie. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I had the pleasure of working with Debbie for several years. She was always full of joy and energy. She was so thoughtful and always kind to me. My thoughts are with you.

  19. I was sorry to hear that Debbie is no longer with us. I worked with Debbie at Brazos for 7 years but enjoyed knowing her for about 7 prior years as a Banker for Brazos. Loved ones are called up from us always to soon and in untimely fashion. It is my steadfast wish that the grief and sorrow you must now be feeling be quickly replaced by a lifetime of good memories with Debbie in days gone past. May God bless and keep you and I know Debbie is in a better place.

  20. I was so sadden when I heard of the news about Debra. I’m so sorry for your loss. I worked with her at Brazos Higher Education for many years. I was so happy for her when she got to retire at such an early age. The one thing I remember about her was her laugh. She could make me laugh. All I can say to all of you is to lean on God for comfort. He will hold you up and be there for you on this journey. You all are in my prayers.

    God Bless

    Debbie Evans

  21. Tammy Harralson

    I was saddened to hear of the passing of Debbie. I worked with her for many years at Brazos. She was very efficient at her job and stuck to the rules. I loved that about her. I also loved her great laugh. You could hear it from her office to mine clear across the building. Keeping you in my thoughts.

  22. Robert & Family,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. I worked with Debbie at Brazos for a few years prior to her retirement. I remember her energy, smile and most especially her laugh. She was a truly wonderful person and will be missed greatly.

  23. Phyllis Leuschner

    I treasure the time I got to work with Debbie and for you being my very good friend. I loved your laugh, that will stay with me forever. Robert and Kelli, she loved you more that anything, except maybe her grandchildren. Remember the good times and cherish her love.

  24. Robert & Kelli and families, I was totally shocked and sorry when I saw Debbie’s obit in the Waco Trib. I have now retired from Brazos, and I got to enjoy her retirement with her. She was always ready to lend a hand no matter what the issue. Debbie loved y’all so much. That great big smile came across her face when referring to you. Of course moving down the life line…her “tales” were more often about the grandkids than about her husband and daughter. I’m so glad I shared some wonderful years with her at Brazos. She was an excellent employee and a great friend. Rest in peace, Debbie.

  25. Dear Robert and family, I am sooo very sorry for your loss. Debbie was one of a kind and extra, extra special! I can still remember her helping me in college, typing my term papers and then in later years, creating cookbooks for my dad to give to Mom. She was one feisty, loving, amazing lady and she will be missed by the countless folks who knew her and loved her. Blessings and Peace to you, Missy Watson Larson

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