Deborah Ruth Sturm, 69, of Troutman, N.C., silently and peacefully became an angel of heaven on Friday, January 9, 2026, in the company of family at her side. She was born March 21, 1956, in Big Lake, Texas, to the late Edward R. and Mable Hunt Rowan.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Don and Dan Rowan, and her daughter Dalana Louise Sturm-Kief.

Always known as a West-Texas Cowgirl, Debbie’s picture could be found in the dictionary by the word Firecracker. Growing up, she traveled the world, living in Malta, Palma and London, England, while her father worked on Oil Rigs. When she grew older, she found a career in sales. Success soon followed and those who knew her knew, she could sell ice to an Eskimo. Her career took her many places, Radio Stations like WCLG, companies like the Yellow Pages, Thomas Regional and more. In her later career she excelled for companies like Background Investigation Bureau (BIB) as well as being a Dispatcher and Sales for The Plumbing Company of the Carolinas.

Above all, Debbie loved her family. The time she was able to spend with them meant more to her than words could ever say. Known lovingly as The Warden, all the kids and grandkids knew when you stayed with “Granny,” her rules were to be followed.

Outside of the joy she found being with family, most endearingly her grandchildren, Debbie enjoyed many hobbies, including golf, bowling, and game nights with family. In her later years, she became passionate about her love of Texas Hold’em poker. She had the honor of winning a coveted World Series of Poker Championship ring.

She leaves behind a wonderful lasting legacy to be cherished by her survivors, including her husband of 44 years, Thomas F. Sturm, whom she married on May 8, 1982l her daughters, Angela Sturm of Fredericksburg Va., Sarah Fletcher and husband Bill Fletcher of California; her son, Thomas E Sturm and family Charlene Keeler, Caitlin Bleau and Jarred Johnson of Union Grove, N.C.; her grandchildren, Samantha Pearsall-Towner and husband Cameron Towner, Trey Pearsall and wife Delaney Pearsall, Aidan Mullins, Riley Sturm-Kief, Jacob Mills, Liam Fletcher, Nicky Mills, Logan Fletcher and Kristian Mills; and her great-grandchild, Benjamin Sturm-Kief.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, 494 East Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC 28115. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is proudly serving the Sturm family.