Debra “Debi” Helbling
Debi Helbling passed away peacefully at her home on February 1, 2023, surrounded by family.
Debi was born Debra Ann Rice, the second of four children, on February 14, 1954, in St. Louis, MO. She attended Our Lady of Guadalupe and McClure High School where she developed cherished friendships that lasted her a lifetime.
In 1975, Debi met her true love, Tim, and was married shortly after on April 30, 1977. Debi and Tim enjoyed the weekend home in Cuba where they spend endless weekends, summers, and holidays boating, skiing, and loving lake life.
Debi also loved traveling with her sister Kathy. Portugal, Antigua, and Hawaii were a few of her favorite places she had visited. “Girl’s Weekend” was also a time when she found great joy being with family and friends.
If you know Debi, you knew she had a love for fashion and long lashes. Debi left an imprint on many people with her signature RED lipstick. She has also left an imprint on our hearts and will be truly missed.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Tim; parents Jack and Pat Rice; sister Kathy Gray (Rice) and brother-in-law Ron Gray; brother Jim Rice; and nephew John Rice. She is survived by her sister Patti Anderson (Mike) of Gerald, MO and sister-in-law Sandi Rice (Jim) of St. Peters, MO.
She was a devoted wife, loving sister, and loyal friend. Debi also had many nieces and nephews that will be forever grateful for her friendship, love, and guidance she shared over the years.
A celebration of life will be held over the summer. The family will reach out when those plans have been finalized.
Love you Aunt Deb!
Debi and Tim were the best neighbors we have ever had. We have so many great memories and stories of our friendship. Always there to help if needed. One of our favorites was going to the Christmas tree farm to get our tree and stopping by Fadt Eddie’s. And of course after Christmas we took the trees back for disposal and this meant stopping by Fast Eddies. During the summer Debi and I would sit on the front porch watching Tim and Joe cut the lawn. We always said we were glad we were females and didn’t know how to cut grass. Ha! I could go on with fond memories. Tim and Joe trying to catch the beavers behind our houses that were cutting trees. Getting rid of moles in the yard etc. all we have are loving memories of our friendship. They will be missed by so many. Sending love and prayers to the family.
Miss you Debi. Now you and Tim are together again. Great memories of boat rides, drinking wine and pretzel dip. Love and miss you both. My condolences to the family.
So sad to hear of Debi’s passing. I know she will be missed by her family and friends. I’m so glad I was able to visit with her last year. Prayers are with the family.
Such heartbreaking news. Many fond memories of Debi and Tim at Indian Hills Lake. They were both so kind and generous. When my kids were young they would take them out on the ski boat and get them on skis. Always there next door to my Mom and Dads house, no matter who lived there. HaHa. Tim and Deb came with the property! Cove 7 is no longer the same without them, Rick and Patti and my Mom and Dad. We will cherish the memories of you both. May you rest in peace together and forever. Prayers and condolences for the family.
My beautiful friend! I already miss you so much.
I will miss you Debi. Your were a great neighbor and friend. I have some great memories of you and Tim.
I met Debi (and Tim)later in my life and was on the receiving end of their kindness and wisdom. Truly one wonderful lady. RIP
Very sorry to hear this Patti my deepest sympathy to you. I’m happy I got to see and talk to Debi one last time a few months ago. See you this summer at her celebration of life get together.
Paul and I were so sorry to hear of Debi’s passing. Cove 7 at Indian Hills in Cuba, MO will never be the same without Debi and Tim. They were so loving and kind. Now, they are together. They were a great love story.
Beautiful Debi, inside and out!
I was a good friend of Kathy Rice, but of course knew Debi. The last I saw her was at a nail salon in Florissant. May Debi and Kathy both rest in heavenly peace.