Born in California, Debbie built a life filled with love and devotion to her family. She married Douglas Roy Barkley, and together they had three daughters before moving their family to Oklahoma to be closer to his mother and raise their girls.
Debbie worked for more than 30 years in the local telephone industry, beginning with Lavaca Telephone Company and later continuing with Pinnacle Communications. She was an incredibly hard worker, both professionally and in everything she took on throughout her life.
Faith was an important part of Debbie’s life and the home she and Douglas created for their daughters. As a member of their Assembly of God church, she served as a leader in Missionettes, helping young girls grow in their faith.
Debbie loved a good project. She loved crafts, decorating, planning, and taking an idea and turning it into something special. She was the creative director behind the family’s beloved Cousins Camp, which was even featured on a local news station. She was especially good at creating traditions. Christmas Eve meant presents at her house and lasagna for dinner, while birthdays came with one important rule: the birthday child got the last piece of cake, and as long as there was cake left, the birthday wasn’t over.
Above all, Debbie showed up. She was the biggest fan of her grandchildren and could be counted on at ball games, school events, celebrations, and all the moments in between. Her three daughters knew the “Barkley hotline” was always open—before work, during work, after work, or whenever one of them needed their mom.
She was extraordinarily kind and gentle, quietly and unexpectedly funny, and the ultimate winner of nearly every family game. She was happiest talking with her grandchildren, laughing with her daughters, or planning the next thing that would bring everyone together.
Debbie had a remarkable ability to make something out of nothing. Whether it was a craft, a party, a family tradition, or simply an ordinary day, she found a way to make it matter. The traditions she created will continue, her stories will continue to be told, and the family she spent her life showing up for will carry her love forward.
She is survived by her daughters; Amanda Spiotto and husband, Anthony; Jana Krohn and husband, Dane; and Breanna Anderson. Her sisters, Angie Berlin and husband, Larry; and Lynda Wambaugh and husband, Dan. And many nieces and nephews as well as great nephews. Grandchildren; Braidan, Riley, Jasper, Anthony, Pyper, Cameron, Alec, Parker, Brayden, Hazel, Bonnie, Mollie, and Lucy. As well as, many honorary children and grandchildren who she loved as her own.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Barkley; her parents, Dean and Bonnie Ayars; and her in-laws, Roy and Hazel Barkley.
A Gathering of Friends and Family for Deborah Dee Barkley will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Evans & Miller Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home.
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