Deborah Ann Gates

Deborah “Debbie” Ann Gates passed away on September 3, 2022, in Great Falls, MT. Cremation has been entrusted to Croxford Funeral Home and no services have been planned at this time.

Debbie was born in Great Falls on March 16, 1961, to Ray and Betty Lou (Slater) Smith. She attended local schools, eventually graduating from CM Russell High School in 1979. Debbie went on to complete Dental Assistant training and became a Dental Hygienist.

Though completing college was a major accomplishment for Debbie, she was also well known as “The Light Lady” at Poulsens Probuild in Great Falls for 25 years. Another major life accomplishment for Debbie would be her daughter Nicole. Her daughter, her family and especially her granddaughters were her everything. When Debbie wasn’t helping people design their homes, she was at her home, spending time with her family. She cherished that valuable time with them, doing crafts and making quilts. Debbie was a strong, courageous, and loving woman and with her family by her side she put up a good fight with cancer; She will be deeply missed.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father Ray Smith; grandparents Clifford and LaVere Slater and great grandparents Orville and Ester Sherman.

She is survived by her mother Betty Lou Smith; daughter Nicole M. Broadhurst; her two beautiful granddaughters Paytinne and Rayahna; brothers Larry Smith, Ken Smith, and Doug Smith.

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