Deborah "Debbie" Louise Carlson had a soft heart for children and animals. She left this earth after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by friends and adoptive family on Friday, April 22nd.

She was born in Buffalo, Minnesota to Howard and Esther McTier on December 6, 1954. Following high school graduation she began working for her uncle, Hurshell McTier, in various capacities which eventually led them to the Roundup area. During her more than 35 year residency in Musselshell County, Debbie was a valuable volunteer with Girl Scouts, managed a daycare business, worked at the IGA, became a Personal Care Attendant, volunteered in an elementary classroom, and helped fund a yearly carnival for children sponsored by Emmanuel Baptist. She always spoke her mind, but also enjoyed serving people and animals in need. She felt most at home surrounded by her dog and cats. In 2006 she married John T. Carlson at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and uncle, Hurshell, as well as a brother, Kevin McTier. She is survived by her husband, John Carlson, now a resident at Roundup Nursing Home. She is also survived by an uncle and aunt, Gary and Pearl Smith of Idaho; a sister, Kandi Heidenreich and family of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; and finally her step-mother, Betty, brother Brian and wife Holly McTier, all of South St. Paul, Minnesota. Special thanks is given to Stillwater Hospice of Montana for the wonderful care they provided toward the end of Debbie's life.

She has been cremated. Graveside services will be held at Roundup Cemetery for family and friends sometime in June. Memorials can be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 602 Main Street, Roundup.