Debra Lynn (Howard) Hooten, 64, of Silver City, NM, joined her husband in heaven Tuesday, April 16, 2018 at Gila Regional Medical Center with her son by her side.

She was born February 1954 in Durango, Colorado, the 1st of 5 children to Earl & Lois (Brown) Howard.

On July 28, 1972 in Lordsburg, NM she married her true love, Joseph Edward Hooten. Nearly 3 years later she gave birth to their only son, Edward Earl Hooten. She then went on to obtain her certification as a dietician and worked for many years as a dietary supervisor for Fort Bayard Medical Center & various nursing homes in Odessa & Corpus Christi, TX.

Debbie was a devoted and committed wife, mother and grandmother who gave wholeheartedly of herself to help others any way she could. Alongside the love of her life, she enjoyed dressing in period clothing and participating in black powder rendezvous, as well as fishing, camping and crafting.

Most of all however, she cherished being a grandmother. With dedicated love and patience, she always made time to give to her grandsons. From cheering them on at sporting events, playing board games & cards and binge-watching Survivor, to helping with homework and teaching them to cook, she gave tirelessly of her time and affection, never missing an opportunity to simply be near them.

She is survived by her son Edward and daughter-in-law Shannon (Truitt) Hooten, grandsons Edward James "EJ" and Aiden Lloyd Hooten, brother Earl Randal Howard, sisters Connie Earlene Garza, Sandra Jane Montoya, Jacqueline Sue Leyva, Aunt Geraldine Benne, as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Debbie was preceded in death by her mother, Lois Ann (Brown) Howard, her father, Earl Lloyd Howard and her loving husband of 43 years, Joseph Edward Hooten.

Graveside services followed by inurnment took place 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2018 at Mountain View Cemetery in Lordsburg, New Mexico.

Bright/Lordsburg Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, "Traditional Services and Care for your family and friends", 408 S. Main Street, Lordsburg, New Mexico 88045. Phone # 575-542-9444.

Remembrances can be made at www.brightfuneral.net