Debra Lou (Notz) DeSeyn of Sugarcreek, our Lord’s servant, was born July 8, 1954, in Dover to the late Alvin and Laura (Levengood) Notz. Debra stepped into her heavenly home on Thursday, April 14, 2022, to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Deb grew up on a farm just outside of Zoar.  She graduated in 1972 from Tuscarawas Valley High School and went on to Kent State University, where she received a degree in Education and Home Economics. Deb spent 29 years teaching at Claymont, Tuscarawas Central Catholic, and Hiland High Schools. Deb was dedicated to helping students to learn and succeed in the field of home management and spent many hours assisting students with organizing and implementing school programs.

Deb married her high school sweetheart, Bob DeSeyn in 1978.  They have spent the majority of their lives together in Sugarcreek, where they raised their son, Bobby.

Deb will be remembered as a bright and shining light in various church and community groups. She was an active member of the Union Hill United Methodist Church and was involved in the former Sugarcreek Lioness Club.  She was a faithful servant and provided leadership in the youth group, Sunday School, Praise Band, and kitchen ministries of her church.  Deb also gave her time and energy to the Emmaus Community.

Deb had a love for sewing, cooking, crafting, and bird watching, and she received great joy in helping and serving others.  After retirement, Deb along with her husband, updated her childhood home to share the country life by welcoming guests who came to stay at “The Farmhouse by Zoar” and providing them with a fun and relaxing experience.

Deb was devoted to her family and friends.  Her family will miss her big presence in their lives but rejoices knowing she is in peace and resting in the arms of Jesus.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, and son, Bobby; sister, Diana (Tom) Springer; sisters-in-law, Karen (Tom) Clayson and Rose DeSeyn.  Also surviving are many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces.  Deb was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jessica Swinford; and brothers-in-law, Harold Swinford and Doug DeSeyn; and in-laws Robert and Sally DeSeyn.

A Celebration of Life service for Deb will be held at Union Hill United Methodist Church at 7877 Union Hill Rd. NW in Sugarcreek on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 6:00 pm with Pastors Jeff Calkins and Carl Kandel officiating.  The family will receive friends at Smith-Varns Funeral Home in Sugarcreek on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and hospice staff for their loving and professional care during Deb’s health journey.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made in Deb’s memory to either Union Hill United Methodist Church or LifeCare Hospice 1900 Akron Rd. Wooster, OH  44691.

To send flowers to the family of Debra, please visit our floral store.

Smith-Varns Funeral Home
330-852-2141
www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com