Debra "Debbie" Rae Balmer, 70 passed away peacefully on 16 January 2026, her mother's birthday.
Debbie was born 6 June 1955 and adopted as an infant by Ray Owen and Dorothy Jean Balmer.
Ray and Dorothy raised Debbie in the home up until her mom's death in 2012, her father passed in 1974. Her parents bucked the cultural norm of the time and didn't institutionalize Debbie. They insisted on integrating Debbie into the community.
Debbie attended Lowell Elementary school and won awards for reading, writing, numbers skills, and telephone usage. We are sorry if you never received a call from Debbie. She loved to call and talk to many folks over the years. If she didn't call you perhaps you received one of her many letters she wrote throughout her life. She loved writing letters to all manner of folks. She even wrote Troy Aikman and got an autographed picture. She attended many Dallas Cowboys games. The mustard packet event almost got her in a fight against a NY giants fan during a heated part of the game, when Debbie accidentally stepped on five stacked mustard packets and every ounce of mustard went all over the side of that guys face. Debbies warm smile saved the day. And they both laughed the whole game and teased each other over their respective teams. Go Cowboys!!!
Debbie was involved in the Charlie Allen bowling league her entire life. She was a member the Rolling Thunder and Angels and Rascalsteams. Debbie could throw a mean strike and won many games and awards.
Debbie was also a Gold medalist with Special Olympics and went on many trips with them over the years winning medals for each activity she participated in.
Debbie was employed at Marty's Grill when she was a teenager and young adult. She then went to work at Sertoma/Eastside Emporium where was employed for 25 years. She was also employed on the weekends at New York Bagel Shop on Peoria. She helped open the shop and was the first dinning room attendant. She kept it moving and clean.
Debbie loved all animals. She had many in her life. Pearl was her good girl, she would still talk about Pearl up to the end. We thank Rick Craig for letting Pearl be her dog. It was Pearls medical condition that helped us explain to Debbie why she was having Hospice take care of her. Pearl saved the day. Debbie was at peace with her condition after that. Other animals Debbie loved: Ubee, Puddin, And her cat of the home Snowflake.
Debbie loved to travel. She went on many trip throughout her life. Florida, New Mexico, Texas and many places around this region, Branson and Bentonville to name a few. She even flew to Florida.
The Family is indebted to The Village at New Leaf. This was Debbie's residence at her time of death. We thank all the staff throughout the years Debbie was with A New Leaf. Especially, Janet, Kinsey, Teresa, Gina, Hallie, Danelle, Robert, Kim, and many more.
We also thank Grace Hospice for their excellent care.
Debbie is survived by her cousins Dottie Trizza, Scott Trizza, Joe & Molly Trizza, John Trizza, Charlie Trizza, Sam Trizza and Kate Bowman(Trizza). And Amy and John Mannebach. And many more family and friends.
In lieu of flowers please donate to one of the following charities that Debbie loved.
A Village at New Leaf
8535 N. Memorial Dr.
Owasso, On 74055
Sertoma/Eastside Emporium
222 S. Memorial Drive
Tulsa, Ok 74112
Oasis Radio Network/KNYD 90.5
P.O. Box 1924
Tulsa, OK 74101
Gracie Hospice
6218 S. Lewis Ave
Tulsa, OK 74136
A Celebration of life will be held at New York Bagel Shop, 3723 S. Peoria Ave, Sunday February 1, 2026 at 4pm
Debbie loved a good get together and we hope to see you there to celebrate the wonderful life of Debbie.