Obituary from the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, dated Sunday, May 17, 2009, page B2:

Deborah "Debbie" Jo Branson (formerly Stone) changed addresses and went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on April 21, 2009, in Fairbanks following an extended illness. Born in Sunnyside, Wash., on Aug. 14, 1953, to Opal and Odell Melson, she attended school in Sunnyside. After marrying, Debbie moved to Alaska in 1981 where -- except for a couple of years -- she spent the rest of her life. Debbie married Jonathan Branson in December 2005 and shortly thereafter moved to Colville, Wash., with her husband to be near her daughter, Tawana Swanson, and her three granddaughters. On a trip to Fairbanks in mid-April to see friends, she passed away suddenly. Fortunately, Debbie had accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior in the spring of 2007, and while her sudden passing left a saddened family, all rejoice that she went to be with the Lord. Deborah Jo Branson is survived by her daughter, Tawana Swanson; three granddaughters, Roxanne, Savannah and Michaela; her husband, Jonathan Branson; two stepsons, Chris and Justin Branson (all of Colville; her mother, Opal Hendershot of Sunnyside; sisters, Diana Miller of North Pole and Della Capener of Prosser, Wash.; and brothers, Denny Melson of North Pole, David Melson of Durham, N.C., and Douglas Melson of North Pole.

She was preceded in death by her father, Odell Melson. A celebration of Debbie's life will be held from 5-8 p.m., Friday, May 22, at the home of Denny and Jackie Melson, 821 White Willow Way (2 Mile Badger Road). Her cremains will be scattered at the place she loved -- the cabin in Alaska. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. Arrangements were by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.