Debra Gatchell Obituary

Debra E Gatchell

It is with great sadness that the family of Debra E. Gatchell announces her passing Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Blanchard Valley Hospital ICU, Findlay. She was surrounded by her family.

Deb was born June 5, 1954, at Bluffton Hospital, Bluffton, to Colene (Smith) and the late David Gatchell.

Learning to live with Deb's love in a new way is her mom; sister, Cathy Nighswander and Al; niece, Alanna Marsh and Duane; nephew, Clay Nighswander and Jessica; and great-nephews, Devin Marsh and Cooper Nighswander; and great-niece, Madelyn Nighswander. Each will see her love in the bright sunshine and hear her laughter and cheers in the breeze.

Deb graduated in 1972 from Riverdale High School, Mt. Blanchard. During her senior year, she learned to be a wonderful, caring nurse's aide at Winebrenner Nursing Home. When it merged with BVHS, Deb embarked on her lifelong career in the healthcare field, later becoming a medical secretary. She spent many rewarding and challenging days with staff, patients, and their families. While performing her regular duties, she made sure to check on patients to ensure their comfort. She would bring a warm smile, coffee and a newspaper. She also enjoyed baking cookies for staff and neighbors. Deb worked with close friends, Nancy Curtis (also Deb's caregiver), Barb Cramer, Robyn Cramer (deceased), Melissa Stauffer, Jeannie Sumini, and Lori Burkett.

Like her mom and grandmothers, Deb loved to bake cookies, chocolate chip, peanut butter, or her famous sugar cookies, or cream puff cake. Watching the Cooking Network was a favorite pastime as well as finding new recipes; just check out her Facebook Page.

If you share a Reese Cup, Rice Krispies square, frozen gummy worms, Ballreich chips, or a Diet Pepsi, she will be looking on with a smile and doing the same.

When you get to heaven, Deb Gatchell will be there with her dad, Dave; grandparents, Carl and Cleo Smith, Walter and Gail Gatchell; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be at a later date. Interment at Riverview Cemetery, Mt. Blanchard. Arrangements have been entrusted to CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Arlington.

Online condolences can be expressed to family by visiting coldrencrates.com.