Photo courtesy of Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home - Henderson
Jan 21, 1959 - Oct 31, 2025
Debra was a good friend to many of us. Spent many fun days with her and her family at the drag strip back in the day.
Debbie and Richard Fitzgerrel
November 04, 2025 | Reed, KY | Friend
Debra was the sweetest and hardworking lady and friend. While I was in sales, Debra was one of my best customers working at Methodist Hospital. We laughed and talked about family and current events. She was genuine, positive and always an uplifting person.
R I.P. Debra
Sheila Damron
November 03, 2025 | Benton, KY | Friend
I'm so sorry for your lost. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Debra was a wonderful person and a good friend. Sending hugs to all.
Vicki Nobles
November 03, 2025 | Henderson, KY | Friend
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Carol and Pam Burris
November 03, 2025 | Henderson, KY | Friend
I am so sorry to hear of Debra's passing. She was such a sweet and loving person. Grew up with her, then worked with her at the hospital for many years. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Robin Workins Bailey
November 03, 2025 | Henderson, KY | Friend
Debra was a very dear and precious longtime friend and co-worker . Had a laugh out of this world I can hear her now. We had a lot of good times. She was definitely one loving and great friend . R.I.P. Deb going to miss you, but I will see again.
Cynthia Simmons
November 03, 2025 | Henderson, KY | Friend
Debra, was a beautiful cousin (first). We had many good times when we were kids. She was full of laughter. Prayers for her family that she loved so much.
Rita Gish Bivens
November 03, 2025 | Owensboro, KY | Family
Debra Elaine Sandefur, 66, born on January 21, 1959, in Henderson, KY, reunited with her parents, Kermit and Marjorie Gish, in Heaven on October 31, 2025. Family and friends are deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden passing.
If you knew Debra, you knew the sound of her Volkswagen Beetle coming before you saw it — top down, music cranked up just a little too loud, her face always smiling towards the sun. She never did anything halfway. Whether she was spending endless childhood summer days at the pool with her lifelong best friend Anna, stitching quilts that became blankets of love for those she cherished, or pouring everything she had into being the best Mom and Nana possible, Debra gave her whole heart.
She was a hard worker with a big laugh, someone who made you feel loved and included. Debra called Henderson her lifelong home and began her career at Community Methodist Hospital, where she cultivated wonderful friendships that lasted through the years. Though her roots ran deep in Kentucky, she adventured to Victoria, Canada, Washington State, and Florida to see her wanderlust-loving daughter, son-in-law, and grandbabies.
In addition to her parents, Debra was preceded in death by her sister, Phyllis.
Debra is survived by her husband, Tony Sandefur; her brother, Mike Gish; her daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Eric; and two precious grandchildren, Hendrix (10) and Storey (7), who were the light of her life. She also leaves behind her first husband and friend, Tony Duncan, along with all of his brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews, whom she loved as her own. She is also survived by three stepchildren, Stacey Carrier, Mike Sandefur, and Steve Sutton and seven stepgrandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Pavilion at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Henderson, KY. Family and friends near and far are welcome to attend, though Debra will feel your love from wherever you are.
No viewing or visitation will be held prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, her daughter asks that everyone reading this honor Debra's memory in the way she would have wanted: take a moment right now to text or call whoever comes to mind. Tell them you love them or that you're thinking of them. That's what she would want us to do.
Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.
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