Debbie Talbert, 64, of Victor, died at her home on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, August 14, 2025 at the Victor American Legion. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be held at Westfield Cemetery near Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated to benefit her granddaughter's college fund and made payable to the Havannah Surber College Fund, mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347. Memories and condolences may be shared with Debbie's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Debbie was born on December 24, 1960, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Allen Howard Thompson and Janet Kay (Johnston) Thompson. She grew up in Montezuma and graduated with the Montezuma High School Class of 1979.

For much of her life, Debbie worked in the food service industry, including at the Brooklyn Interstate 80 Pilot Travel Center and Subway. Whether serving a meal or simply greeting someone with her warm smile, Debbie had a way of making people feel welcome—she never knew a stranger.

She will be remembered as dedicated and selfless; the kind of person people naturally gravitated toward and dearly loved. Above all, Debbie cherished her only granddaughter, Havannah, who affectionately called her "Grams." Spending time with Havannah was her greatest joy.

Debbie was an avid sports fan, especially of the Iowa Hawkeyes, and loved cheering on Caitlin Clark. She also enjoyed playing board games with her family, where laughter and good-natured competition were always part of the fun.

Her life was defined by kindness, love, and a genuine interest in others. Those who knew her will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Debbie is survived by her children, Amber Thompson of Victor and her daughter, Havannah Surber, Nick Thompson of Oskaloosa, IA, Shelby Talbert of Victor, Ashley Bryan of Oskaloosa; her siblings, Teresa (Kevin) Hershberger of West Des Moines, IA, Dan (Heidi) Thompson of Grinnell, Lynda (Matt) Eilander of Des Moines, and Mike (Erin) Thompson of Versailles, MO; and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her granddaughter, Mia Noelia Jimnez.