Debra K. Rodriguez

Debra Kay Rodriguez, 63, of Galesburg, died at 11:23 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2018 in the emergency room at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg. Debbie was born December 8, 1954 in Galesburg, the daughter of Clair Henry and Frances Josephine (Miner) Stremmel. She married Steven Rodriguez on October 16, 1971 in East Galesburg. Debbie is survived by her husband, Steven of Galesburg; two daughters, Mona Rodriguez of Galesburg and Roxanne Rodriguez of Peoria Heights; one brother Norman Stremmel of Galesburg; five grandchildren, David, DaShae, and Darrien Rodriguez-Harris, Kaylyn and Kirsten Rodriguez-Alderman and two great grandchildren, Kaiden and Amelia. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and one sister. Debbie worked as a cook for many years, working many different places, most notably for Finley’s Café and Steak N Shake. Debbie also worked at Stremmel Standard Station, where she learned to work on cars and passed that trait to both her daughters. Debbie had a heart of gold. She was the family rock and caregiver. She always maintained an open-door policy. She could be described as the family matriarch and true friend. She will be missed by many. Debbie enjoyed planning and having family dinners and was an excellent cook. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and camping. She loved her pets and is survived by her beloved chihuahua, Gizmo. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Rev. William T. Miller will officiate. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery-Warren County, rural Galesburg. A celebration of life will follow at Harley’s Pub, 2243 Grand Ave, Galesburg, IL. Memorials may be made to Steven Rodriguez, in care of Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, 1849 N. Seminary St., Galesburg, IL 61401.