Deborah Elizabeth Provenza

Deborah Elizabeth Provenza died unexpectedly on Friday, August 20, 2010 at her home in Show Low, Arizona. She was 55 years old. Deborah was born on March 18, 1955 in Reno, Washoe County, Nevada to the late Harold Pierson and Elizabeth Jane (Aylward) Deering. She was orphaned as a young girl and quickly became a "grown-up" while still a child. She knew the value of a good education and received a Master's degree and was specialist as a mental health therapist. As a young woman, Deborah enlisted in the United States Navy and served 6 years before she received her honorable discharge at the age of 24. She was a very tender-hearted individual and received a special kind of joy as she learned to serve others throughout her life. She believed that when she was in the service of others, she was expressing her love to God. She moved to Arizona 12 years ago from Peoria, Illinois and met the love of her life, Kirsten Hendershot. Together, they celebrated their commitment to each other in a special garden ceremony at their home in 2001. Deborah was blessed with a "green-thumb" and made a showplace out of their back yard, planting some ot the prettiest flowers around. She even built a pond there and truly made a beautiful park setting right at her own home. Deborah was an avid reader and was also an artist on so many levels. She could draw and sketch just about anything. She also loved photography. She was able to make many dozens of books of her photos that she gave to her family and many friends. They truly now are considered treasures by them. Some of Deborah's greatest joys came from her love of animals. She loved pets and at the time of her passing, owned 6 cats and 4 dogs! They were considered part of her family. Being the service oriented individual that she was, Deborah literally volunteered hundreds and thousands of hours helping those in need. She volunteered regularly for Pet Allies. Deborah worked for Catholic Charities, Community Counselling and the Arizona Children's Association. She worked for many years as a mental health therapist at several locations in the White Mountain area. She even worked a few years for RTA Hospice (now Hospice Compassus) as a grief therapist. No matter what the task was at hand, she always gave it her all. When she was able, she enjoyed to travel. She truly appreciated the beauty she found right here in the State of Arizona; from its deserts to its snow-covered mountains. Deborah just loved being outdoors and appreciated the creations she saw there. She also had the opportunity to travel abroad including: Italy, Costa Rica and Alaska. Many of her photographs were taken as she traveled. This beautiful, vibrant woman will be missed by many, but none will miss her more than those whom she called family. Deborah is survived by: her partner, Kirsten Hendershot of Show Low, Arizona; sister: Becky (Bill) Hancock of Gilbert, Arizona; mother and father-in-law: Hal and Marty Hendershot of Denver, Colorado; 2 nieces: Jennifer and Andrea; and nephews: Rich and B.J. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather at a special memorial service that will begin 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 28, 2010 at her family home: 3140 E. Larson Way in Show Low, Arizona where Chaplain Kevin Weaver will officiate.