Debra Denise Mergele passed away last week in her Blanco, Texas home at the age of 52. As an Army brat she frequently moved around the country in her youth, but she lived in Blanco for the last 20 years. She worked as a veterinary technician most of the time she lived in Blanco, and was known for her kindness, laughter, and love of animals and gardening. She was a certified Master Gardner. Debbie's fun-loving nature, quick wit, and intelligence were a pleasure to be around. She never met a stranger; at times it seemed that she knew everyone in town. She inherited her strong character from her Turkish mother, who always called her “Debbie Doll.” She was born March 30, 1958 in Brazil, Indiana.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Frank Mergele, of Abilene; her daughters, Arna Sylvester, of Corpus Christi, and Emily Mergele, of Abilene; and her sister, Linda Slattery and husband Sullivan, of Portland, Oregon. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Arlene Frump, and her brother, John Frump. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be given to any nonprofit organization that helps animals.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am Tuesday, June 29 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blanco.