Deborah Barbe

Deborah Jo-Ann Barbe (Hardman) was born in Warren, Ohio on October 26,1949 and went to be with the Lord on December 22, 2023, in Plano, Texas.

She was the daughter of John Harlan Hardman and Beatrice Susan Hardman (Bender). Her Paternal Grandparents were Roy O. Hardman and Eva L Hardman (Jones). Her Maternal Grandparents were Joseph Bender and Anna Bender.

She grew up in Warren, Ohio with a profound love of animals. That was proven by her pets, which included a Cocker Spaniel named "Cinnamon", a blond German Shepherd called "Duke", and a Parakeet called "Fearless". The bird was often heard scolding "Duke." He could have made a quick meal of "Fearless" if he hadn't been the most gentle, huge, lap dog that he was. He used to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and a ride in the car with Deb's dad. Other later pets included hamsters, fish, birds and her spoiled cats.

She spent many days with her beloved Aunt Ruth Arkwright since both of her parents worked. When her cousin Mary Ellen was born, they were more like sisters even though Deb was 4 years older. Her school years were very steady since they were still living in her original house. She went to Emerson Elementary, Turner Junior High, and graduated from Warren G Harding High School in 1967. While there, she met the Love of her Life, Roger Barbe at age 16. They were sitting behind each other on a bus ride to an away football game to Canton, Ohio. During the game, they sat together, and then sat together on the way home. They were truly inseparable from that moment on.

After graduation, Deb received a Diploma from Warren Business School with a 100% rating. She went to work at First Federal Savings and Loan in Warren and attended Kent State University Branch. Roger worked at his family's Trucking and Warehousing company while graduating from nearby Youngstown State University. They both remained in the area to be with each other.

Deb and Roger were married in Warren, Ohio on September 5, 1970, when both were 20 years old. They were blessed with three beautiful and talented children. Kevin was born on January 20, 1975, Keith on July 1, 1978, and Kristen on July 11, 1980. They all moved from Warren, Ohio in 1979 to San Antonio, Texas, in 1983 to Coral Springs, Florida, and then in 1985 to Plano, Texas (Dallas). All when Roger was with Frito-Lay, Inc. They have resided in Plano, Texas in the same house for over 38 years.

During the years since the births of Kevin, Keith, and Kristen they were totally devoted to their kids, and the kid's activities. When some parents left their kids at home while the parents went on vacation that never happened to them. They had numerous trips to Ohio, Florida, Arizona, and Great Britain and they always went along to get to know their extended families in those areas. Roger's Mother was a WWII war bride from Great Britain who married Roger's Father in 1945. Deb loved her new family from trips and visits through the years. Debbie and Roger were also blessed with 3 beautiful and lively grandchildren, Piper, Beckett, and Clara.

Her work life continued at Collin County Community College, part owner of Burbank-Barbe & Company, and Co-Owner of Butterfly Kisses Collection, Inc. (a maker of premium Flower girl dresses for Weddings). Her hobbies were sewing, cookbook collecting, award winning baking, refinishing furniture, coloring, artwork, listening to music, and gaming.

For their 50th Anniversary in September 2020, Roger named two stars after each other. Roger's star will revolve around Deb's star for all eternity. Their star's location is in the Scorpius Constellation.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her grandparents, mother-in-law, father-in-law, her precious aunt Ruth and uncle Andy and other aunts and uncles in the U.S. and Great Britain. Best friends Pam Acitelli, and Joanne Norris also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years Roger, their children Kevin, Keith, Kristen, and Keith's fiancé Stacey, Deb and Roger's Grandchildren Piper, Beckett, and Clara, her cousin Mary Ellen Baker, niece Erin Shelton, nephew Andy Baker, cousins Sue Mitts, Dennis Mitts, Pam Eschik, Dennis Bender, Mary Ellen Bender, Brian Bender, and their families, aunts Georgie and Doreen, cousins Mike, Donald, Peter, Christine, Patsy and Sally, and all the others from her Great Britain family.

Deb will continue to inspire us for the tenacity to overcome the odds in her final years. She will always be remembered as a fighter.

A memorial service to honor Deb’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Allen Family Funeral Options.  If you wish to view the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/96315