Debra A. "Deb" Kiser

Debra Ann (Shenk) Kiser, 66, was received into glory the morning of September 11, 2024.

She was born January 15, 1958, to Lester and Pauline Shenk and grew up a farm girl who loved riding her horse, Pawnie.

At 15, she met her future husband, Brett, at his first high school senior football game of the season. She fell for him that evening (literally out of the stands), and as he picked her off the ground, he said, “You’re about as coordinated as a hog-tied heifer!” Apparently, those words stole her heart, and they were married three years later on September 25, 1976.

During their 48 years of marriage, they brought 3 children and 12 grandchildren into the world. Their intentionality to cultivate God’s presence and unity in their home made their home a refuge for many. All were welcome, and all were enriched by the health of their family life.

Deb loved spending quality time with family, planning huge parties and events, and sneaking in a nap once everyone was happily interacting. She was unceasingly creative, repurposing furniture and decorating. Everything farmhouse, from sounds to smells, was nostalgic to Deb, bringing her comfort and happy memories of childhood. She shared that with her kids and grandkids in special ways, like delighting them with her mother’s recipe for Scotcharoos.

Her favorite holiday was Christmas, and she turned their farmhouse into Narnia with the number of Christmas trees she tucked into every nook and cranny. She shared her creativity with her grandkids, helping them make their own stockings, which they display every year.

When the weather was good, she loved traveling with Brett by motorcycle and exploring other states. She enjoyed collecting stuffed animals and jars of Izzy’s Pickles. And she never passed up a good cheeseburger and fries.

Deb was sarcastic, with quick-witted one-liners, and had a sigh that meant many things depending on the depth and frequency. Her daughter Erica likened it to interpreting “I am Groot,” with her son Jerod saying, “A sigh from mom was worth a thousand words.” There were few things she disliked beside being alone, but her daughter Lori discovered several, with the top one being when she acted like her father!

Deb loved people. Hers was the ministry of hospitality, and she changed the world by making each person she met feel like a member of the family. She was a thoughtful friend, doing things for others simply to make them smile and even when it came at a personal cost.

She was a faithful follower of Christ. She grew up in Bethlehem Christian Union Church (Buckland) and confirmed her decision to make Jesus her Lord and Savior when she was in her early 20’s. She and Brett found their forever home at Only Believe Church (Botkins), and she was a participating member for 36 years, serving in nursery and marriage classes.

Romans 12:10-13 says, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Deb exemplified this passage, and her legacy will live on in the way her husband and children continue to show her love, faithfulness and commitment to unity with their family and friends.

Deb is survived by her beloved husband Brett Kiser; children Erica (David) Scott, Lori (Jeremy) Kuhn, Jerod (Linda) Kiser; grandchildren Roman, Emma, Lillian and Cosette Scott; Alana Kuhn; Caleb, Isaiah, Adam, Ezekiel, Levi, Seth and Jeremiah Kiser; and siblings Robert (Debbie) Shenk and Darlene McElroy. She was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Pauline Shenk, stepmother Helen Shenk, sister Jennifer and brother-in-law John Hixenbaugh.

Deb’s viewing will take place on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Only Believe Church 13815 Botkins Rd., Botkins from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Her funeral will be Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Only Believe Church at 10:00 a.m. The gravesite service will follow at Fort Amanda Cemetery (Lima).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brett Kiser to direct toward needs, expenses and the charity of his choice in honor of Deb.