Debra Kay Rudder (Boyd)

Debra Kay Rudder (Boyd), age 70, passed from her earthly body to join her love and many family members in Heaven on Sunday, January 5th, 2025 in Abilene, Texas after many years of battling COPD.

She was born in Abilene, Texas to Katherine & Emmett Boyd on February 28th, 1954.  Debra attended school in Abilene and quit after middle school to help her mother raise their family.  After a couple of failed marriages, Debra met the love of her life, Lewis DeWayne (Wayne) Rudder, in 1985 and they were side by side until he passed in 2021.  She worked various jobs throughout her life, mainly in manufacturing.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, going to auctions and estate sales, gambling, and basically anything where she could have a good time.  Her most precious moments spent in the last few years were with her honorary grandson, best friend, her ‘Boo’, Gage Kanady.  Debra lived life to the fullest each and every minute of her time here on earth.  She was thrown struggle after struggle throughout her life, and always found a way to come out on top.  She was one of the strongest and most dedicated people you could ever meet.  She loved her family fiercely.

Preceding Debra in death were her mother, Katherine Shannon, fathers, Emmett Boyd and W.E. Laney, beloved husband, Lewis DeWayne (Wayne) Rudder, a sister, Delena McLamore, brothers, Emmitt (Junior), Darrell, and Clayburn Boyd, and son, Emmitt Ray Riddle.  She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Young and husband Mark, honorary son, Namon Kanady and wife Marion, sister, Melissa Daniels, brother, Eddie Laney, step daughter, Amber Watkins and husband Joshua, step son, Micheal Rudder and wife Jillian, nine grandchildren; Taylor and husband Zack, Grayson and fiancé Alex, Shawn Kanady, Aislinn, Colton and fiancé Madison, Aubree, Reese, Gage, and Paige and four great grandchildren; Leah, Jordan, Samuel, and Caleb.  She is also survived by many other extended family members and close friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 10th, 2025 at Piersall Funeral Home 5-7 PM.  A funeral service to honor Debra’s life will be held Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at Piersall Funeral Home at 2 PM, with graveside to follow at Hawley Cemetary.  Officiating the service will be Joe Roberts, Jr.  Pallbearers will be Namon Kanady, Jeremy McDonald, Cody McDonald, Shawn Kanady, Micheal Corley, and Matt Parker.

Debra will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.