Deborah R. Yarnall

1948 - 2024

Deborah (Deb) R. Yarnall, 76, of Frederick, MD, took her final, glittery bow on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at her cozy home surrounded by love (and probably some sparkle and a little cat hair). Born on February 5, 1948, in Frederick, she spent her life bringing joy, laughter, and just the right amount of creativity and great life advice to everyone around her.

She leaves behind her favorite co-adventurer and husband of 20 years, Stephen (Steve) Yarnall, her cherished son Phil Smithhisler, her beloved daughter Margie Smithhisler, her son-in-law Jeff Durocher, her adopted daughter Angie Rosado, her daughter-in-law Juliana Gallucci, her grandsons Phillip, Dylan, and Griffynn Smithhisler, and her granddaughters Riley Durfee and Madison Durocher - all of whom loved and respected her for her strength, kindness and support throughout their lives.

Deb never met a stranger - only potential new friends. Her smile lit up every room, and her laugh could lift spirits faster than you could say "oh look a chicken!" A truly talented crafting queen, in her early life, Deb was an accomplished seamstress who made beautiful, smocked clothing and porcelain dolls that she would sell to help her daughter participate in her passion - horseback riding. She was a leader of Frederick Pony Club with the help of Sharon Wilson, Sue Gordon, Kathy Dougherty and Carolyn Gaver for many years and made lifelong friendships with other strong Pony Club moms. She worked in various roles throughout her career as an Executive Secretary and Office Manager but truly enjoyed the friendships made while working at the Hoover Company and Frederick Biologicals - sharing a birthday with her office bestie, Ed Kercheval. In her retirement she ruled over her legendary crafting Stamp Camp, where glue sticks and giggles flowed in equal measures. Afternoons were spent with scissors in one hand, a story in the other, and a table full of loyal ladies cutting, chatting, and creating.

She and Steve were fearless wanderers, collecting passport stamps and magical memories from every corner of the globe from Hawaiian volcanoes to the Isle of Skye to Ku?adas?, and St. Petersburg, Russia. But perhaps her truest soft spot was for animals - especially those with sad eyes or special needs waiting in shelters or strays she came across just for someone like Deb to say, "You're coming home with me."

Though she's no longer sitting as our amazing matriarch at our family table or the head of the crafting table, Deb lives on in the hearts she so joyfully decorated with kindness, humor, and a flair for the fabulous. The world is brighter, kinder, and much more fun because she was in it.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Gentle Friends Animal Rescue or Special Love in her name - and maybe, just maybe, make a card, rescue a cat or a goat, or take a little trip in her honor. Deborah R. Yarnall