Deborah Kay Ray

Deborah Kay Marler
April 3, 1956 - November 6, 2026

Deborah was a woman whose life was filled with laughter, love, faith, and a happiness that touched the people around her. Known lovingly as Debbie and Grandma Debbie, she leaves behind a legacy that will live on through the family she cherished, the memories she created, and the love she gave so freely.

Debbie is survived by her mother, Jewel Marler; her brother, Jr., and his family; her daughter, lovingly known as "KK"; and her three beloved grandchildren, Lindsey, Hunter, and Hannah, who were among her greatest joys and proudest accomplishments.

Some of Debbie's sweetest childhood memories took place outdoors in Arizona, where she spent some days building playhouses while her mother would give instructions through the window. Deb would use a tumbleweed as her broom, even the simplest moments became treasured memories. As a child, Debbie was known for being a little loud and rowdy, a personality that carried into adulthood through her lively spirit, laughter, and unmistakable sense of humor.

One of the women who influenced Debbie most was her Granny Dorothy. Debbie remembered cleaning for her while Granny made her beautiful dresses. She admired the way Granny could turn nothing into something, making quilts from flour sacks, creating clothes, providing food she had canned or raised, and giving love in countless ways. That example of resourcefulness, generosity, and making the most of what life provides stayed with Debbie throughout her own life.

At just 15 years old, Debbie met the love of her life, Buddy George, in a way that could only become a story worth telling for generations. While walking in Tahlequah with Liz Smith, she spotted him driving his blue 1966 Chevelle, affectionately known as "Ol' Blue," with a for-sale sign in the window. Deb asked if she could have a free test ride to "try it out." From that moment on, the two were inseparable. Their love became one of the greatest treasures of her life. When asked what day she would relive if she could choose just one, her answer was marrying Grandpa Buddy. She believed she would never find a love quite like theirs.
Debbie loved being a mother. She remembered her daughter, KK, as the happiest baby who hardly ever cried. She loved how much fun they had together, especially the times KK would purposely make a mess and then look at her almost proudly, waiting to see what her mother's reaction would be. Those little moments brought Debbie endless laughter and became memories she held close to her heart.

But perhaps nothing brought Debbie more pride and happiness than her grandchildren. She treasured the day each of them was born and celebrated their accomplishments, their individuality, and the futures ahead of them. She was especially proud of their strength to be themselves and never feel they had to conform to the expectations of others.
Her love for each of them was unique and deeply personal. She wanted Hunter to know how much she loved him and how much she missed him whenever they were apart. She wanted Hannah to always know how deeply she was loved and to remain true to herself, standing strong in who she was. And she wanted Lindsey to know just how proud she was of her strength, independence, and courage to be herself.

If you knew Debbie, you likely remember her smile, her happiness, and her love. You might also remember laughing with her until neither of you could stop. She found joy in making memories with the people she loved, often through the simplest things. She enjoyed cooking hearty, homemade meals, especially beans, fried potatoes, yellow squash, and okra. Her kitchen, like her heart, was a place where love could be shared.

Above all, Debbie's life was transformed by her faith. She spoke openly about one of the hardest things she had ever overcome: feeling lost in the world before finding her way to believing in Jesus. Her faith became the foundation of the peace she carried and the hope she wanted her family to hold onto. Her advice for the generations to come was simple but powerful: "Live for the day. Do not be anxious for anything, because we have Christ."
In her final reflections, Debbie expressed gratitude for her mother, Jewel, and her daughter, Kaye, for every ounce of energy they spent caring for her. She cherished the laughter, the conversations, and especially the times they spent talking about God. She also left them with words of love, forgiveness, and a humble request for forgiveness in return. It was her heartfelt reminder that love matters more than holding onto hurt.

When asked how she knew she had lived a good life, Debbie's answer was found in her faith: by showing the fruits of the Spirit and being prepared to go home with a complete sense of peace.

That is how we will remember her: a woman who loved deeply, laughed loudly, found beauty in the simple things, treasured her family, and ultimately found her way home through Christ.
Though our hearts ache in her absence, we take comfort in knowing that Debbie is at peace. Her smile, her laughter, her stories, and the love she poured into her family will never be forgotten.

Until we meet again, Debbie. We love you.

Graveside Service Friday, November 13, 2026, 2 PM, Teresita Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5 PM until 8 PM, at Hart Funeral Home Chapel.