Debby Gross

Debby Lynn Underwood Gross of Cape Girardeau was sent to us Oct. 4, 1964, and danced her way into heaven April 25, 2010.

We would like to thank the staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, where she received extraordinary care from her medical team. We adore each of them and will remain forever grateful for their kindness.

She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Bill and Ella McClarney of Olive Branch, Ill., and her father, Jim Underwood of Fort Worth, Texas.

The remainder of her story is written with the irreverent affinity and mischievous zest she had for life. She loved to laugh and wasn't afraid to pepper a salty word to elicit a desired response. If you don't share her appreciation of laughter at the expense of etiquette and decorum, read no further ... she made no apologies, and neither will we.

Debby Lynn packed many loves and tragedies into her short 45 years. During her life she excelled at mediocrity. She could do anything she wanted ... she just chose not to! She was wickedly funny with a penchant for storytelling. Her vivid and imaginative tall tales were usually combined pieces of personal experience with outlandish redneck wisdom. She was a living contradiction; part truth and part fiction. Most stories, both real and humorous, began with "You ain't gonna believe this s---."

Debby Lynn loved the limelight and was a master communicator via phone, e-mail, even broadcast radio. Her redneck character-driven calls earned her a recurring radio role in Cape Girardeau as "Hilda the Hen" and the voice of Circle S Saddle. She also worked with Apple Orthodontics in Fort Worth.

She loved to be "in the know" at the center of gossip, conflict or tragedy. One of her favorite lines was "If you don't have anything nice to say ... come sit by me!" She had a knack for "stirring the pot" for comedic effect or choosing to escalate a tense situation to get a reaction. She was equally clever at extinguishing a fire she helped to stoke. We believe Debby Lynn delighted in the resolution and redemption that comes after a "knock-down drag-out fight" with the ones you love.

Debby Lynn's story would be incomplete without the mention of her husband of 20 years, Joe. He was her reserved counterpart to her over-the-top "bossy" personality, but his commitment was unwavering. Debby Lynn's physical deterioration did not affect her ability to throw verbal jabs. Joe maintained courage under verbal fire, exercising saintly restraint. His patience and selflessness is truly appreciated by the entire family.

Debby Lynn loved the Lord; husband, Joe Gross; daughter, Ashley Nicole Rickman-Cordell; granddaughter, Kaysen Ashley; mother, Carole Underwood; sisters, Toni Kay Lewis, Lisa Dianne Sparkman, Becky Ann Saterlee, Shelly Pooh Crudup; and her sisters' many boyfriends; ex-husbands; current brothers-in-law; two nephews, Brandon Lewis and Garrett Sparkman (they were both born in a manger and swaddled at birth); a niece, Kaci Jo Sparkman; great-nephew, Colter James Dean Sparkman; family; friends; dogs; cats; music and life.

Debby Lynn's wishes ....

1. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an educational fund for her granddaughter, Kaysen Ashley. Send to Debby Lynn Gross Memorial Fund, Frost Bank, Fort Worth, Texas.

2. Forgo the bad organ music and somber routine. Let's raise a glass, deliver our best jokes, tell some stories, stir it up and laugh. She expects old-fashioned home cookin' funeral food! If you try to sneak Boston Market brown gravy or KFC powdered potatoes into the party, we will hurt you. Also, please don't ask us when you can pick up your covered dishes. We're keeping them! Dates are encouraged as long as you are not too closely related. Drink minimum, smoke 'em if ya got 'em ...

3. Never miss the chance to dance.

We are hosting two celebrations of Debby Lynn's life: from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Sparkman Auto, 5291 Highway 25, Gordonville; and at 10:30 a.m. May 8 at the home of David and Toni Lewis in Fort Worth.

St. Louis Cremation handled the arrangements.