Debra J. Van Ness, age 61, entered the Kingdom of Heaven when she passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. A resident of Warsaw for the past 30 years, Debra was admitted to Kosciusko Community Hospital at the time of her death.
Debra was born to Robert W. and Delores M. Gay Young. She was born in Bremen on July 24, 1957, and was one of six children. Growing up in Marshall County, she was a graduate of Bremen High School. On June 27, 1987, she was married to the late Allen Van Ness.
Simply said, Debra loved children. She ran a daycare from her home for several years and always loved hearing children laugh and play. She was blessed as an artist and enjoyed painting and drawing. She was also gifted with a quick wit and loved to joke and laugh.
She was a loving, humble person who had a true faith in Christ and was proud to be a Christian. Previously, Debra and her husband attended Community Life Center, Warsaw (formerly UPC).
Those who survive include two sisters, Susan (Tim) Michael of Fort Wayne and Cheryl (Greg) Long of Lake James, Angola; two brothers, Rodney H. Young of Bremen and Larry L. (Evelyn) Young of Nappanee; a stepson, Jared Van Ness of Warsaw; stepdaughter, Jennifer Cole of Warsaw; and several stepgrandchildren. Also surviving are many who considered Debra to be their mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert W. Young Jr., and by her parents.
Friends may join family for visitation and a celebration of Debra’s life from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw. Beginning at 4 p.m., Pastor Dean Anglemeyer of New Life Church, Nappanee, will officiate the celebration of life.
Burial will be in Harrison Center (Wooden) Cemetery.
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Memorials to New Life Church, 2673 E. Market St., Nappanee, IN 46550.
