Deborah "Deb" Anderson

Deborah “Deb” L. (Stout) Anderson, 67, of Rockford, left to be with the Lord in her eternal home on March 21, 2022, after a courageous battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, at home with her family by her side.  Born May 30, 1954, in Rockford, the daughter of Mervin and Harriett (Hering) Stout.  Deb was a graduate of West High School, The Rockford School of Practical Nursing, and Kishwaukee College of Nursing.  She enjoyed her career as a registered nurse working on the mother-baby unit at SwedishAmerican Hospital and Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, CO, and high-risk perinatal at Rockford Memorial Hospital.  Deb especially enjoyed caring for the newborn babies in the nursery.  She liked being the center of attention and earned the title of “goof ball” from her mother.  Deb loved dogs and cherished the unconditional love that her corgi, Cooper, and her late Noah’s Ark rescue, Brockett, gave her for so many years.  Her interests included traveling, bowling, and collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia.  Deb was intentional on being the best mother and grandmother to her children and grandsons and always being there for them.  Survived by her beloved and faithful companion, Ron Gajda; former husbands, Andy Anderson and Dave Nelson, the father of her two children; daughter, Sharon (Matt Coletta) Slartman; son, Ryan (Miranda) Nelson; grandsons, Hayden and Brenden Nelson; sisters, Barb (Matt) Szymanski and Sandy (Pat) Herrin; nephews, Scott (Nikki) Szymanski and Pete Herrin; and niece, Erica Herrin.  Predeceased by her parents; stepfather, Elwin “Red” Dorris; and brother, Tom Stout.  The family wishes to send its heartfelt thanks to Heartland Hospice for providing such great care and support to Deb.

Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2022, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Deb’s name.