of Yellville, AR
March 5, 1955 - January 4, 2022
The world lost a loving and much-loved woman when Debra Ann Roberts, 66, died at her home in Marion County, Ark., on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
Debbie became a full-time resident of the Pine Mountain community in 2019 but had discovered the Bull Shoals Lake area with her husband, Rich Roberts, many years before.
After searching around the country for the right location for many years, friends told them about the beautiful scenery and quality of life in this area. The first time she and Rich stood on the land that was to become their dream home, she tugged on Rich's sleeve and said, "I want this!" Right in front of the property owners. It might not have been the best negotiation tactic, but it didn't matter - Rich and Debbie had found the land where they would live the rest of their lives.
Pine Mountain was a long way from where Debbie was born, in Appleton, Wis., and where she lived most of her adult life, in Richfield and Franklin, Wis. But it quickly grew into their vacation home for many years while they worked to get the land ready for full-time living, and it was where she felt welcome and accepted.
After retiring from Northwestern Mutual and moving south, Debbie became active in the Welcome Ridge Community Church and enjoyed volunteering with the Bargain Box thrift store supporting Baxter Healthcare. She also traveled extensively around the United States and internationally, with Rich and Caryl and at one time with her mother-in-law, Mary Roberts, with whom she enjoyed a close relationship.
Besides Rich, who will miss his best friend, wife and partner for more than 47 years, Debbie leaves her daughter, Caryl, Milwaukee; father, Carl Heiman, Richfield; brother, Patrick Heiman (Courtney), Slinger, Wis.; sisters Samantha Heiman (Kurt Zwirlein), Slinger; and Cynthia Showers (Rick), Hillsboro, Wis.; sister-in-law Janet Roberts (Jeff Ash), Green Bay, Wis.; many nieces and nephews, and friends in Wisconsin and in the Pine Mountain community here in Arkansas.
We will celebrate Debbie's life on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, at Welcome Ridge Community Church, 8249 MC 8001, Yellville, AR 72687. Friends may share their favorite memories and stories about Debbie in a visitation from 10 a.m. to noon and a celebration service beginning at noon, with Pastor Shannan Morris officiating. Following the service, the church community will greet friends and family with a dinner in her honor at the church.
Arrangements are by Roller-Burns Funeral Home in Yellville.
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11 Condolence(s)
Libby Krouse
Friday, January 21, 2022
I worked with Debbie for many years at NM. We shared so many good times & laughter. She will be missed. I was blessed to know her. Condolences to the family & friends.
Jean Baker
Thursday, January 20, 2022
I was born and raised on Welcome Ridge. I enjoyed reading about how Debra loved living there. I did , too. I never met her but she is so pretty. She looks like a sweet angel.
Darlene Borchardt
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
I'm sorry to hear about Debbie's passing. I enjoyed worked with Debbie at NML. We discussed retirement and she was so happy about moving to Arkansas.
Sheila Schneider
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
I have known Debbie for about 20 yrs from NML. I didn't work with her directly, but we always talked about retirement & she couldn't wait to move to AR. Debbie, you now will RIP. 😞
Craig and Shannon Peek
Sunday, January 16, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss! God bless you and your family!
Cynthia Showers
Saturday, January 15, 2022
We know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes are in heaven and will last forever. 2 Corinthians 5:1 Debbie is in her forever home now with Mom. Until we are together again, I Love you, Sis. I always will.
Mike and Anita Worley
Saturday, January 15, 2022
We are sorry to hear about the loss of Debra Roberts.
She helped us in our time of need and will be remembered as a kind lady and neighbor.
Celia M Dunscombe
Friday, January 14, 2022
Debbie - a gentle, friendly soul
Thomas K Stewart
Thursday, January 13, 2022
I never had the opportunity to meet Debra. My loss. I have known Rich for many years and he has helped me in so many ways. A real friend. I am so sorry for your loss Rich. I pray Almighty God and our Savior Jesus will comfort you until we all meet in the bye and bye.
Samantha
Thursday, January 13, 2022
The "dollar" is no longer whole 😪 will miss your beautiful smile sis, until we meet again RIP my beautiful sister you will be deeply missed
Barbara Davenport
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
I first met Debbie when she came to make a donation to the Flippin Bargain Box and told her we would could sure use her as a volunteer. A few weeks later I was told we were going to get a new volunteer and it was Debbie. She was a very sweet lady and our sympathy from all at the Bargain Box. We have missed her.