Debbie Hendershot, 65

Debbie Hendershot, 65, of Gainesville, died July 20, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by her family. She was born Jan. 23, 1960, to Rose and Manton Lilly.

Debbie, her husband Donald Hendershot and their children moved to Missouri from Grayson, California, in 1992. She and Don worked in many restaurants around Ozark County over the years and enjoyed feeding the masses. She welcomed everyone to come around for a hot meal and adopted many as family, welcoming them with open arms and a large heart open to anyone, outcasts included. She even went as far as raising her granddaughters when they needed it most. She made a point to be around her family anytime she could. Family was everything to her, and everything she did was with her loved ones in mind.

She was a pillar of strength for those who knew her and a teacher of many things. She had a deep love for animals of all forms — except snakes, which she always hoped would steer clear of her.

She loved gardening, fishing, cooking, jigsaw puzzles and painting. She also loved to sing around those she was comfortable with, but they knew not to call her a bumblebee. She was very connected with her Native American heritage and could almost always be seen in turquoise or amethyst jewelry. Her favorite things to collect and paint were Indian-themed, matching her collection perfectly.

Debbie adopted her longtime care team at Fersineus Kidney Care in West Plains as a second family, and she was very thankful for everything they did for her over the last few years.

She will forever be in the hearts and minds of those who loved her, and her spirit is with her ancestors, watching over and guiding her loved ones.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Donald Hendershot; their children, Manton Hendershot and Tenaya Stone; her granddaughters and their significant others, Rose (Scott) Scheider and Trinity (Ethan) Hogue; sisters, Darlene (Pat) Luce and Nina Prasher; along with many nieces and nephews whom she loved.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Manton Lilly; her brothers, Douglas and Thomas Lilly; her sister, Linda Patrick and her husband Jimmy; and Nina's late husband, Sonny Prasher.