Debra Gillman, 70

On May 15, 2023, Debbie Gillman lost her battle with ovarian cancer. She passed away at home with her husband Rod by her side.

Debbie was born and grew up in Orange County, California, back when it was a truly nice place to live. At age 21, she became a bartender and for over 17 years worked at various locations in Southern California, primarily in the Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley area. On a hot summer evening a man wandered into the Swizzle Stick bar in Huntington Beach to get a cold beer and listen to some country music. Debbie served him that drink and that began a 38-year friendship, 34 years as husband and wife.

After many years of fishing trips to the eastern High Sierra and the Flathead Valley, Rod and Debbie became permanent residents of Montana in 2000. For several years Debbie was the semi-official Christmas present buyer for the families the Kalispell Lions Club would “adopt” through the Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family Christmas program.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Rod; sister, Michelle; brother, Rick; cousins, Linda and Gail; daughter, Brittany; step-son, Greg (Maria); step-daughter, Alissa (Scott); grandchildren, Jenna, Hailey, Parker, Raegan, Lila, Trent; and great-grandson, Xavier.

Debbie has requested that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the “Friends of Smith Valley Fire Department” 3496 U.S. 2 West, Kalispell MT 59901. Debbie was so appreciative of the professional and caring service the EMS team provided her on so many occasions during her illness.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.