In Memoriam : Debbie Stripling
Debbie Lynn Stripling - age: 54
(February 17, 1972 to June 04, 2026 ) Resident of Three Rivers, California Visitation Information: Memorial services to celebrate Debbie’s life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared once arrangements have been finalized. Obituary: In Loving Memory of Debbie Lynn Stripling It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Debbie Lynn Stripling, who passed away peacefully at home on June 4, 2026, surrounded by her family, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. She was 54 years old. Debbie was born on February 17, 1972, in Garden Grove, California, to Sharon and Fred Opitz. Though she faced many challenges throughout her life, she met them with strength, resilience, and a heart that never stopped caring for others. To know Debbie was to feel loved. She had a way of making everyone she met feel like family. Whether you knew her for years or only a few minutes, she welcomed you with a warm smile, a big hug, and genuine kindness. She always put others before herself and found joy in making people feel special. If she loved you, you knew it. Debbie shared a beautiful life with her husband, Ray Stripling Jr., whom she married on April 14th, 1992. Together they built a family that was the center of her world. She was the proud mother of Destiney, Ashley, and Joshua, and later became an adoring grandmother whose eyes lit up whenever she was with her grandchildren. A hardworking and dedicated woman, Debbie spent much of her career in the supermarket industry. She began working for TOPS Markets and quickly advanced through the company, eventually reaching corporate leadership and managing multiple stores. Her work ethic, determination, and ability to connect with people earned her the respect of everyone she worked with. Later in life, after moving to Three Rivers, California, she continued working part-time at The Village Market, where she enjoyed being part of the local community and getting to know the people who came through the doors each day. Outside of work, Debbie found joy in the things that brought peace and connection. She loved crystals, energy work, essential oils, and spending time riding on the Harley-Davidson with her husband. Family and friends will fondly remember the headache oil, and pain cream she lovingly made and shared with everyone she cared about. It was one of the many ways she showed her love—always trying to make someone feel better, more comfortable, and cared for. More than any accomplishment, Debbie’s greatest legacy is the love she leaves behind. She taught us the importance of kindness, generosity, and showing up for the people we love. Her hugs were unforgettable, her smile could light up a room, and her heart was bigger than anyone we’ve ever known. Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Ray Stripling Jr.; her daughter, Ashley Griggs, and son-in-law, Zachary Griggs; son, Joshua Stripling; her cherished grandchildren, Shai Griggs, Sloane Griggs, Owen Griggs, Arabella Stripling, and Nicolas Stripling; her brother, Timothy Opitz, and sister-in-law, Sherrie Opitz; and her beloved dogs, Jango and Zuko. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sharon and Fred Opitz; her beloved daughter, Destiney Opitz; and her precious grandson, Zachary Opitz. There are no words to express how deeply she will be missed. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that her love, laughter, and spirit will continue to live on through her family and through the countless lives she touched. We will carry her with us always. To everyone who knew and loved Debbie, thank you. Thank you for the prayers, messages, meals, memories, and support you have given our family. If you would like to reach out, share a memory, or tell us how Debbie touched your life, we would love to hear from you. Hearing your stories reminds us just how loved she was and how many lives she made better simply by being herself. Debbie, thank you for every hug, every lesson, every laugh, and every act of love. We will miss you forever and love you always. 
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