Debbie Ruth Dancer
June 9, 1959 ~ January 1, 2025
Our beloved wife, mother, Roo-Roo, aunt, and friend, Debra Ruth Dancer, age 65, of Elkhart, Texas, is now in the presence of our loving Lord and Savior. Debbie passed away with her husband of 45 years by her side on the 1st day of January 2025 in Jacksonville, Texas. She was born in Harris County, Texas on the 9th day of June 1959 to parents Harry Hardy Schmidt and Betty Jean Stroud Schmidt.
For over three decades, Debbie served as the elementary school secretary for Elkhart I.S.D., where her presence became a cornerstone of the school's nurturing environment. She was a beloved figure among both the children and staff, her smile and gentle nature making her an unforgettable part of countless childhoods. Debbie's influence extended beyond her professional role, touching the lives of many through her genuine care and friendship.
Debbie's passions were as vibrant as her personality. She was an avid cook, her kitchen often filled with the aroma of home-cooked meals and the laughter of loved ones. Canning and gardening were among her favorite pastimes, allowing her to share the fruits of her labor with friends and family. Her grandson Luke was the light of her life, and their special bond was evident in the joy they found in their time together, especially their Friday get-togethers.
Always one to enjoy life's simple pleasures, Debbie loved to indulge in the pampering of getting her hair and nails done, and she never passed up an opportunity for a shopping trip. Her zest for life and her ability to find joy in everyday moments were truly infectious.
Debbie was the embodiment of love, kindness, and friendliness. She had the rare ability to make everyone she met feel like they were the most important person in the world. Her legacy is one of compassion and connection, a testament to the impact one person can have on a community.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Betty Schmidt, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Christine Dancer.
Debbie leaves behind her loving husband, Eddie Dancer; son, James Dancer and wife Ashley of Elkhart, Texas; grandson, Luke Dancer; twin brother, Dobby Schmidt and wife Debra, and brother, Terry Schmidt, all of Elkhart, Texas; sister-in-law, Barbara Tidwell and husband Billy of Palestine, Texas; special niece, Staci Wolf and husband Adam; and great nephew, Tripp, all of Elkhart, Texas. Debbie is also survived by her nephew, David Tidwell, niece Debbie Boydston, other family members, numerous friends, and her special companion, Lovie.
Funeral services to celebrate Debbie Dancer are to be conducted at half-past two o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 5th day of January 2025 at First Baptist Church of Elkhart with Bro. Jason Hoffman officiating the service. Interment will follow in Pilgrim Cemetery.
Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at the First Baptist Church of Elkhart.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Adam Wolf, David Tidwell, Brett Tidwell, Logan Salmon, Wade Salmon, and Stephen Parton.
Debbie Dancer's life was a dance of love, kindness, and service, and while her physical presence will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Her memory will be cherished and celebrated, a lasting tribute to a life well-lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Elkhart Elementary Library Fund to honor the beloved Debbie Dancer. This thoughtful gesture celebrates Debbie's enduring support for Elkhart Elementary and its dedication to educational excellence and community enrichment. Monetary contributions can be made by check and payable to Elkhart Elementary, with "Debbie Dancer" noted in the memo line. Alternatively, book donations are welcome and may be dropped off at the Elkhart Elementary front office. Each donated book will feature a memorial dedication sticker reading: "In loving memory of Debbie Dancer, this book was donated by [your name, if desired]." For additional details, please contact Kristin Steely, Principal, at (903) 764-2979
Funeral services for Debra Ruth Dancer are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.
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Debbie will truly be missed . I’m going to miss her smile and her hugs and her many funny quotes over the intercom at work. Elkhart Elementary will not be the same without her. I pray for her family and friends that they may find peace in knowing they will see her again. All my love and heartfelt condolences.
I am so heartbroken to lose such a good friend and a true sweetheart. My prayers will be with the entire family now and the months to come. Debbie’s friendship was special to me. Hold on to your memories to get you through. Know that she loved all of you so very much. Y’all were her world!! Heaven gained a special angel.
Debbie was like my second mother. I have so many wonderful memories of her and her family who became my family. The world has suffered a tremendous loss but it’s not goodbye, it’s until we meet again. I love you so much!
Our prayers and thoughts are with Eddie, Jamie and the family. Debbie was a special person.
Debbie and Eddie were two very special people I will always remember her she was one the most loving people I ever knew I pray blessings and peace for her family ?
Debbie worked with my son (Luke Bibbs) many years at Elkhart ISD. She will be greatly missed. Praying for her family &,friends. I (Brenda Brown Bibbs) went to school with her.
From the moment I moved to Texas and met Miss Debbie she was such a wonderful soul. She has help with three of my granddaughters my oldest son always laughing. I was joking. My heart is broken for the family and all of Elkhart ISD.
We are so sorry to hear about Debbie. She was an extraordinary person and loved all of the children that passed through Elkhart Elementary. Prayers for her family.
I went to school with Debbie and her brothers at Elkhart ISD. My biggest memory of Debbie was her kind and gentle soul. I send my sincere condolences to her family.
I know you, as a family, feel such a deep loss and grief at Debbie’s passing, because as a friend and co-worker of over 30 years, I’m unable to conceive this loss of my “Debbie Doo.” I know that God needed this kind and selfless servant in His presence, and although we will miss her terribly, she is healed and happy. She loved her family like no other. You were so precious to her. I’ll forever treasure the memories and laughter we made together at Elkhart Elementary. It was an honor to know and love her.
I know you, as a family, feel such a deep loss and grief at Debbie’s passing, because as a friend and co-worker of over 30 years, I’m unable to conceive this loss of my “Debbie Doo.” I know that God needed this kind and selfless servant in His presence, and although we will miss her terribly, she is healed and happy. She loved her family like no other. You were so precious to her. I’ll forever treasure the memories and laughter we made together at Elkhart Elementary. It was an honor to know and love her.
We were so sorry to hear about Debbie.She was such a sweet person. We knew her since 2000 until we moved from Elkhart to Northern Virginia in2018. May God comfort the whole family at this sad time.
Ken and Shirley Roberts
I was very honored to be able to work alongside her for a year as a substitute teacher for Elkhart Elementary! She was always in the office greeting with a smile even when I was a young child in school at Elkhart. She will be missed very much.