Deborah Ann Roberts

Deborah Ann Roberts, affectionately known as “Joe’s Debbie”, 71, of Rushsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday evening, March 5, 2025, at her home, ending a 7-year battle with Ovarian Cancer.

Debbie was born in Bellefontaine on March 2, 1954, and is survived by her mother Liz Bickham. On September 15, 1973, she married Joe Roberts, and he survives. Debbie was preceded in death by her step-father Vance Bickham, and a brother Bill Gossard. She is survived by her daughters, Amy Roberts Keller and Billie Jo (Bo) Roberts O’Brien; grandchildren: Hannah (Kory) O’Brien, Owen O’Brien, Karlie Keller, and Reid Keller; sisters: Sherrie (Dennis) Stevenson and Tina Mancuso; a brother David Gossard; step-sister Pam (Nick) Rogish; half-brother Harry Gossard; and half-sisters Sabrina and Serena. Debbie also leaves two very special friends, Donna Van Buskirk and Kim Fawcett; and a very special sister in Christ, Tracy Mitchell; and a friend since childhood, Patty Blue Johns.

Debbie graduated from Bellefontaine High School – Class of 1972. She attended Christ Our King Church with Pastor Robin Ricks, where she helped teach Children’s Church and cared for babies in the nursery. She was a prayer warrior with the Women’s Prayer Group, and always gave GOD the Glory for His answered prayers. Her hobbies included sewing, flower/vegetable gardens, and having cookouts with smores. She loved canning/preserving, a lost art!! Debbie also enjoyed raising chickens and donated many dozens of eggs to family and friends. She was a poll worker for many years and always looked forward to visiting with her community. Debbie proudly flew the American flag at her home. Over the years, Debbie worked for Home Health of American Nursing Care, did paramedical exams for insurance companies, and was a volunteer with Hospice until 2012.

Debbie blessed many families as she babysat for several children and loved them all dearly. For several years she assisted teaching children about Jesus and his love for them at Miss Charlotte’s Wednesday School. Debbie was a volunteer paramedic with Rushcreek Township Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years which included being an Assistant Squad Chief. She was an ACLS instructor for Mary Rutan Hospital and devoted countless hours teaching CPR as well. Debbie loved making homemade ice cream and family meals for her family and friends. She lived her life for her family and when blessed with grandchildren, she thanked God daily for His gift to her and her family. Debbie had a bad / dysfunctional childhood and was extremely grateful that her step-father Vance loved and married her mother. Vance was her and her siblings “Hero”. She always said that children should be “free to be”.

Pastor Robin Ricks will officiate a Celebration of Debbie’s Life on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11am at Christ Our King Church, 1325 County Road 9, Bellefontaine. Immediately following the service, a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held until 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rushcreek Township Volunteer Fire Department, for EMS equipment and training, PO Box 374, Rushsylvania, OH 43347.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Universal Home Health Hospice, and Debbie’s Oncology team at The James … especially Dr. Floortje Backes who always believed in her!

EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Roberts family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com

Family authored obituary - EJT