August 1, 202, 67, Seven Springs –

Debbie Stroud, 67, left her boots and saddle to drive the glorious chariots of heaven on the streets of gold on August 1, 2021. Debbie was born in Wayne County to the late Adrian Loren Bennett and Nannie Lou Bennett on July 8, 1954. From the moment she entered this world, she was destined to become a cowgirl. Her entire life revolved around horses.

Tougher than a lightwood knot, Debbie could keep up with the strongest and best when it came to working. Never one to be idle, she constantly looked for work, oftentimes working on multiple projects at the time and seeing each to completion. While many claim to work from sun up to sundown, Debbie worked until the job was finished.

Farming was more than a job; it was a way of life. She and her husband, Don, moved to their farm in 1988 and worked side by side accomplishing the tasks at hand. In addition to all the duties that come with a farm, the two ran the Bull Ride Rodeo at Double Duce Arena from 1993 to 2004, and she was a faithful member of the 24-Karat Cowgirls Drill Team.

For Debbie, there truly was no place like home. She was raised in a family that knew how to cook, and those skills continued on in Debbie’s kitchen. If it was country cooking, Debbie could do it. And you could sure believe Don was there to eat it. Any chance to set your feet under her table was the ultimate gift. What she cooked was prepared the old-timey way, just the way she was taught and just the way her family loved it.

There was no better care to be found for the horses on the farm than from the hands of Debbie. Known as a horse whisperer, she could convince each one to do exactly as she wanted. If there was ever sickness, she was a brilliant diagnostician. When friends needed advice on care for their horses, Debbie was the first call. Her valued input was preferred over any others, including the veterinarians.

A self-taught artist, Debbie’s natural skill at craftwork was exemplary. She loved finding seemingly worthless items and repurposing them to be extraordinary pieces of art. She could take ribbon and tie a bow in no time. Her ability with a paintbrush was impeccable, and she loved collecting old stuff and giving it new life.

Working alongside Don on the farm, the two were the perfect pair. Their love for each other knew no bounds, and they were practically inseparable. Having a cool temperament, Debbie kept things in control in the home and on the farm. Don was the fire…she was the fire extinguisher.

Debbie was completely down to earth, and all who knew her quickly found a compassionate friend. She had a deep love for all the little folks and was an all-around good woman. Protecting those she loved most, you always wanted to stay on her good side.

A service to honor and celebrate Debbie’s life will be held at Rouse Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Committal will follow on the family farm, 1229 Outlaw Bridge Road, Seven Springs. The family will receive friends following the committal.

Left to cherish the love and memories of Debbie are her husband of over 40 years, Don Stroud; children, Donald Ray Stroud, Jr. and John Marvin Stroud and wife, Dawn; grandchildren, Ethan Gerald Whitfield Stroud, Dusk Oliver Stroud and wife, Katie, Ian James Randolph Stroud, Smith Bayard Stroud, Landon Carl Stroud, Johnna Caroline Stroud, and Lachlan Rhys Thomas Stroud; sister, Bertha Hill; brother, Loren Bennett; special nephews, David Mewborn and wife, Tonya and their children, Callie “Cowbell” and Blake, and Tony Hill and wife, Christle, and their son, Jason.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.