Mrs. Debra Jo Frala, age 66 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Thursday, November 22, 2018, at SSM Heath St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by her family.

She was born June 22, 1952 in Joplin, Mo., daughter of Raymond and Joan (Russell) Gardner.

Debbie was a 1970 graduate of Parkwood High School in Joplin Mo.

She was married on January 20, 1973 in Joplin, Mo. to Ronald Frala, and she moved to Jefferson City after their marriage.

Debbie was a receptionist for her husband at Ronald L. Frala, CPA retiring in 2016. She also worked at the Missouri Division of Highway Safety and as a secretary at Capital City Christian Church for several years.

She was an active member of Capital West Christian Church after many years of membership at Capital City Christian Church. Debbie possessed a strong faith her entire life and that faith gave her the strength the past few years as she bravely battled her illness.

Debbie’s life revolved around her family and she was always there supporting them through their struggles and achievements in life. Her favorite memories were family gatherings. In her free time, she loved to spoil her grand-dogs, read and cross-stitch.

Survivors include: her husband of 45 years, Ron Frala of Jefferson City, Mo.; one son, Brian Frala and his wife Heather of Jefferson City, Mo.; her mother, Joan Gardner of Jefferson City, Mo.; one granddaughter, Maddison Gil; numerous cousins, including, Kathy Brooks and her husband Jim of Liberty, Mo. and Jim Gardner and his wife Theresa of Holiday Island, Ark.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Gardner.

Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2018.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at Capital West Christian Church with the Reverend Rick Yoder, the Reverend Ken Harland and the Reverend Mark Landis officiating. Graveside service and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Life of Hope Ministries, P.O. Box 223, Joplin, Mo. 64802. Friends can make a donation online by going to www.lifeofhope.org or calling (417) 319-7887.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.