Debra S. Duebber

Debra Sue (née Smith) Duebber, age 74, peacefully joined Jesus in heaven on April 14, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends.

Born on September 5, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Debbie moved to Delhi at a young age and was a proud resident. She spent nearly 50 years devoted to uplifting and serving her community. She was a graduate of Oak Hills High School class of 1968, where she met her husband and soulmate of 56 years, Al Duebber.

Her warmth, wit, and unwavering devotion to her family touched the lives of everyone she met. Debbie had a heart big enough to hold space for everyone she encountered—always warm, welcoming and loving. Whether you knew her for a lifetime or just a moment, you felt her kindness, her generosity, and her deep compassion. Her smile could light up any room, and her laugh created a joyful echo that will forever ring in the hearts of those lucky enough to hear it.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse James Smith and Helen L. (Sarver), and her brother James (Cheryl) Smith.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Marc (Kelly) Duebber and Laura (Jeff) Braun; and by her cherished grandchildren, Stephanie Knox (Derek Cunningham), Jenna (David) Millay, Allie Braun, Andrew (Jailyn Harrison) Braun, Colin (Hannah) Brandt, Camden Brandt, and Kendyl Duebber. Debbie also leaves behind loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Debbie’s life was rich with meaning and service. She found joy in gardening, hosting gatherings, spending time with her grandchildren, and deepening her faith through Bible study and service to her church and community, generously volunteering at numerous organizations throughout her lifetime. She lived her faith through action and compassion, leading many people, including her family, to Christ, simply by radiating his love and light in her everyday life.

Debbie loved to travel, most notably to her beloved home away from home in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where she carefully crafted a getaway steeped in her love and presence with her husband and made countless cherished memories with family and friends.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Debbie’s compassionate care team and friends at Bayley Place and the Queen City Hospice staff—especially Melissa, Ron, and Dani—who cared for her with tenderness and dignity during her transition to heaven.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held on Friday, April 25th at 6:00 p.m. at Crossroads West Side, 8575 Bridgetown Rd, Cleves, OH 45002. Special service will start at 7:30 p.m. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in Debbie’s honor to one of her favorite community causes: Delhi Township’s Kids, Cops ‘n Firefighters. Please mail donations to c/o Delhi Township Police Department, 934 Neeb Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233.