Debra Arnold Obituary
Born: July 16, 1958 (67 years Old)
Resident of Richmond, Rhode Island her entire life Lived in the same house all her life, a 1976 graduate of Chariho High School Passed away January 2, 2026 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Groton, CT after a long illness.
Debbie was the daughter of the late Frederick Whipple Smith, Jr and Lephe Lois (Reynolds) Smith.
Debbie was married to Richard Arnold on September 4, 1976 at the Wood River Chapel, Route 3, Richmond, Debbie and Richard shared 49 happy years together.
Debbie is survived by her brothers, Fred Smith of Massachusetts and Ronnie Smith, of New Hampshire and her sister Diane DeFosse of North Kingstown, RI She was preceded in death by her sister, Beverly Buck of Hope Valley R.I.
Debbie worked for many years in various positions within the Richmond area. She and her husband, Richard, used to paint houses, both interior and exterior; Debbie worked at Grills Sun Valley Restaurant; Cumberland Farms; Sal's Pizza; she and her husband were custodians for 28 years for the Richmond Police Station; Richmond Public Works Building and Richmond Town Hall; and for the past 20 years Debbie as been the kitchen manager at PineCrest Golf Course, as well as the Buriel Supervisor, along with her husband Richard, of the Wood River Cemetery.
Debbie did not have many hobbies, in her younger years she raised and liked to ride horses. She was most happy working alongside her husband and sister Diane, at Wood River Cemetery; She also was especially happy cooking for her many friends and PineCrest Family at PineCrest Golf Course. Debbie was always easy to talk to; she was a great listener with a big heart. She will be greatly missed by her many friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Debbie's name to the Wood River Church, Route 138, Richmond, RI.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 9th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at S.R. Avery Funeral Home, 3A Bank St. Hope Valley, RI 02832
Burial will be private.
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