Marissa June Rentfro DeBord, 75, of Amarillo, Texas found wholeness and rest on November 21, 2022, when she peacefully went to her eternal home with Jesus
Rissa was born December 10, 1946, in Amarillo, Texas to Georgia Marie and Vermal Ross Rentfro, Jr “June”. The small community of Channing would be her home through graduation where she lived her best country life on the ranch riding horses and working cattle. She attended business school in Amarillo where she learned “shorthand” and “ten key”. Obsolete things now but she was never obsolete, putting her talented spin on everything she did.
She married the love of her life, Brady DeBord, in March of 1966 and became his Air Force bride moving to Mississippi and then North Carolina before coming home and settling in Amarillo where they raised two children, Lee and Brea DeBord. They lived a fun and adventurous life boating, dirt biking and made many mountain excursions. The tales of their adventures were always fun to listen to. Rissa was a great storyteller just like her daddy.
Rissa was an avid artist working through many mediums. There was almost nothing she could not do with those talented hands. Painting, sculpting, oils, watercolors, sewing, stitching. Creating!!!!! Always creating. She enjoyed her “work” at Las Tiendas for many years and was always happiest when working on a project. She loved animals and birds and had many throughout her life. She even befriended a little spider on her painting table that would come out and watch her paint.
Rissa was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and June Rentfro; her husband, Brady; and her sister, Linda Rentfro Skelton Twing. She left behind her children, Brea and Rob Harbuck of Amarillo, and Lee DeBord and Marybeth Cook of West Palm Coast, Florida; her sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Kirk Montgomery of Vega, Texas; and her four beautiful grandchildren, Brayden, Braylen, Whitney and Jordan.
The family invites all her friends to celebrate Rissa’s talented life with us at Crossroads Country Church, 14425 FM 1541, with Bob Miller presiding on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors are caring for all arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or an organization close to your heart. woundedwarriotproject.org and go to the tab “ways to donate”.
Lee – You may not remember me, but I worked with you at TCA cable back in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. I met your mother once and she was a nice, very friendly lady. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother.
Take Care,
Brent Beasley
Marissa’s creativity was a great gift that she gave to the world. I was always so in awe of the many different paths her gift took her to and all of the incredible results of that. Brea, you were a loving and caring daughter and you and you can feel greatly comforted knowing that you were always there for her in all of her challenges in life. My deepest condolences to you and Lee for the loss of your mother. Much love to you!
Russia was so talented. Her needlepoint was so amazing. I think of her especially at Xmas when I pull out all the precious needlepoint she put together for me! She will be missed!.
I have known and loved Rissa since our high school years. We entered numerous beaty contests. With each contest we became closer and had so much fun. As we grew older, we became closer, and I loved her dearly. As she became ill, it was so hard to see her. Her daughter took care of her for a long time until she had to go to the hospital. She will be missed and is in a better place.
Ms. Ethel, I think about you often and pray that you and Gary are doing well. I am sorry to learn about the passing of Ms. Rissa. My sympathy and condolences from the Powell Family. I pray for strength and comfort for you. Love Freda Powell.