Debra Ann (Walling) Gastineau

Debra Ann (Walling) Gastineau passed from this life Sunday, April 3, 2022 at her home in Ravia.  She was born May 29, 1956 in Ardmore, Oklahoma to the late Cecil Raymond Walling and Frankie Lois (McAlister) Walling.  

Debra was well known and loved by many people.  Some of those people were her students at Ravia Elementary School and others were children she took into her home and raised as her own.  She will be dearly missed by everyone. 

She married Merle Gastineau December 19, 1979, a union that lasted until his death in 2000.

Debra received her Master's degree in education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.  She taught school at Ravia Elementary School for 42 years.  It is safe to say that Debra had a huge love for children in order put in that many years teaching.  Debra still holds a place in many of her students' hearts.  

When she wasn't teaching, Debra enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards, especially Phase 10.  She loved playing bingo on her tablet, crappie fishing, and taking trips to Branson, Mo.  Debra also enjoyed announcing team ropings.

She was preceded in death by both parents, husband, Merle Gastineau; son, Michael Gastineau; daughter, Jessica Gastineau; sister, Betty Lou Walling; granddaughter, Madlynn LeAnn Gastineau and fiance, Stacy Biggs.

Debra leaves behind to forever cherish her memory, son, Ernie Gastineau and wife Terry of Tishomingo; daughters, Socorro Lovett and husband Lee of Tishomingo, Lorrie Lytle and husband, Logan Lytle of Tishomingo, Annette Baxter of Ravia, and several other bonus daughters that she raised. Brother, Bennie Ray Walling and wife, Carol of Tishomingo; grandchildren, Charles Lynn Gastineau and wife, Ashley, Bobby Gastineau and wife Rikki, Jeffery Gastineau, Travis Gastineau, Preston Lovett, Kristen Lovett, Merlaina Lytle, Jacob Lytle, Paisley Dean, Kendall Dean, Annabelle Mae Gastineau, Kodie Rose Gastineau, Motley LaRue Gastineau, Marcus Baxter, Sierra Baxter, Dalton Baxter, and Sienna Baxter; Great-grandchildren, Zachary, Nattlie, Rylee, Jaylee, Fisher, Timber, River, and Tallon; Niece, Vanna Baker; nephew, Bennie Walling Jr.; cousins, Kandi Lewis, Kenneth Stowers, and Kimberly Lee.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday at Hartwell Funeral Home from 6 to 8 pm.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Debra's life will be Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at the Ravia School Auditorium with interment to follow at Ravia cemetery. 

Serving as pall bearers will be Teddy Kreger, Dale Wilkins, Deno Johnson, Buddy Norman, Paul McClendon, and Harold McClendon. Honorary bearers will the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Ms. Gastineau.

Online condolences may be made to hartwellfuneralhome.com

Services are under the care and direction of Hartwell Funeral Home in Tishomingo.

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