Debbie Ruth Dancer

Our beloved wife, mother, Roo-Roo, aunt, and friend, Debra Ruth Dancer, age 65, of Elkhart, Texas, is now in the presence of our loving Lord and Savior. Debbie passed away with her husband of 45 years by her side on the 1st day of January 2025 in Jacksonville, Texas. She was born in Harris County, Texas on the 9th day of June 1959 to parents Harry Hardy Schmidt and Betty Jean Stroud Schmidt.
For over three decades, Debbie served as the elementary school secretary for Elkhart I.S.D., where her presence became a cornerstone of the school's nurturing environment. She was a beloved figure among both the children and staff, her smile and gentle nature making her an unforgettable part of countless childhoods. Debbie's influence extended beyond her professional role, touching the lives of many through her genuine care and friendship.
Debbie's passions were as vibrant as her personality. She was an avid cook, her kitchen often filled with the aroma of home-cooked meals and the laughter of loved ones. Canning and gardening were among her favorite pastimes, allowing her to share the fruits of her labor with friends and family. Her grandson Luke was the light of her life, and their special bond was evident in the joy they found in their time together, especially their Friday get-togethers.
Always one to enjoy life's simple pleasures, Debbie loved to indulge in the pampering of getting her hair and nails done, and she never passed up an opportunity for a shopping trip. Her zest for life and her ability to find joy in everyday moments were truly infectious.
Debbie was the embodiment of love, kindness, and friendliness. She had the rare ability to make everyone she met feel like they were the most important person in the world. Her legacy is one of compassion and connection, a testament to the impact one person can have on a community.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Betty Schmidt, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Christine Dancer.
Debbie leaves behind her loving husband, Eddie Dancer; son, James Dancer and wife Ashley of Elkhart, Texas; grandson, Luke Dancer; twin brother, Dobby Schmidt and wife Debra, and brother, Terry Schmidt, all of Elkhart, Texas; sister-in-law, Barbara Tidwell and husband Billy of Palestine, Texas; special niece, Staci Wolf and husband Adam; and great nephew, Tripp, all of Elkhart, Texas. Debbie is also survived by her nephew, David Tidwell, niece Debbie Boydston, other family members, numerous friends, and her special companion, Lovie.
Funeral services to celebrate Debbie Dancer are to be conducted at half-past two o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 5th day of January 2025 at First Baptist Church of Elkhart with Bro. Jason Hoffman officiating the service. Interment will follow in Pilgrim Cemetery.
Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at the First Baptist Church of Elkhart.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Adam Wolf, David Tidwell, Brett Tidwell, Logan Salmon, Wade Salmon, and Stephen Parton.
Debbie Dancer's life was a dance of love, kindness, and service, and while her physical presence will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Her memory will be cherished and celebrated, a lasting tribute to a life well-lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Elkhart Elementary Library Fund to honor the beloved Debbie Dancer. This thoughtful gesture celebrates Debbie's enduring support for Elkhart Elementary and its dedication to educational excellence and community enrichment. Monetary contributions can be made by check and payable to Elkhart Elementary, with "Debbie Dancer" noted in the memo line. Alternatively, book donations are welcome and may be dropped off at the Elkhart Elementary front office. Each donated book will feature a memorial dedication sticker reading: "In loving memory of Debbie Dancer, this book was donated by [your name, if desired]." For additional details, please contact Kristin Steely, Principal, at (903) 764-2979
Funeral services for Debra Ruth Dancer are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Debbie Ruth (Schmidt) Dancer, please visit our floral store.