Deborah Kay Martin-Wink

Deborah Kay Martin-Wink, of Springfield, MO, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at the age of 61.
She was born on March 26, 1962 in Germany to the late James Martin, Sr. and Gertrud (Dusel) Martin. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Steven Martin.
Debbie was always a fighter. She started this life with congenital heart failure, worrying those around her. They didn't know if she'd survive at all. But, year after year, she continued to defy the odds. She passed all the big milestones and didn't just survive but thrived. She wanted to do what kids her age were doing, which one can imagine caused many sleepless nights for her mother. Little things that most children take for granted were big feats for Debbie. In high school she played in the band and hung out at school parties. She wanted to be like everyone else. She wanted to live life. And so, she did. She went to dental school after high school, dated boys, worked, and did whatever she wanted. The sky was the limit for her. She could do anything! Once she got married, she became a step-mother to triplet boys, whom she cherished. It was tough for the blended family at first, but over the years, their love for each other continued to grow. Once the boys became adults and had children of their own, Debbie became a grandma. She loved being there for them and making little gifts for them. She has unfinished Christmas gifts on her kitchen table that she was making for her grandkids. She loved them all.
Debbie loved her nieces as though they were her own. She always found ways to make them feel special. Whether it was trips to Fort Wood, or sleepovers at her house, Debbie found ways to show her nieces so much love. She was like a second mom.
Debbie loved God. She was a fierce believer. She had a passion for crafting, making jewelry, playing with her dog Ava, and visiting with friends and family. She liked a good debate and wasn't afraid to speak her mind. She was so excited to go on vacations and most years went on the "Sister, Sister" trip to various locations. Education was important to her and she spent many years going through different courses or programs trying to learn as much as possible. Playing board games, week night dinners out, and craft fairs with family were a few of the things she loved to do. She enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. She was the bravest person that her family knew. She was a fire cracker and while she will be missed deeply, her flame will burn bright in heaven.
Debbie will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes: her loving companion, Phil Pennington of Springfield, MO; three stepsons, Robert Wink, John Wink and Greg Wink; three siblings, Alan Martin of Holts Summit, MO, Susan Schoen and husband, John of Rolla, MO, and Dr. James Martin, Jr. and wife, Sherry of Pensacola, FL; an aunt, Carol Teague of Salem, MO; four nieces, Jenny Schellingberger, Jillian French, Jade Martin and Jessica Martin; two nephews, Robert Klawitter and Rick Klawitter; two great nephews, Alec Shelton and Nick Shelton; and a host of cousins, friends and extended family.
A funeral service for Deborah K. Martin-Wink will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Interment will follow in the Freedom Cemetery in Dixon, MO. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rolla Animal Shelter.