Debra Kay Ley

Debra Kay Ley, age 51, of Dover, died Thursday, June 9, 2016 in Aultman Hospital at Canton following a period of declining health.

Born on August 11, 1964 in Union Hospital at Dover, Deb is a daughter of Sara Harris Ley of Dover and the late Lester Ley.

Deb was a 1983 graduate of Garaway High School and began her professional career as a waitress with the Swiss Hat in Sugarcreek. She later worked for Goshen Dairy and Willandale Golf Course. For the past five years, she served as the owner and operator of the Sugarcreek Lanes Restaurant.

Known by friends and family for her cooking skills, Deb will be remembered for collecting Mickey Mouse Memorabilia, spending time with her step-grandchildren, whom referred to her as “Granny Debs”, being with her special great-nephew, taking family trips and caring for her beloved toy poodle, Cookie.

In addition to her mother, Deb will be missed by her companion of nearly 20 years, Jim McConnell of Dover; a special niece, Stephanie (fiancée, Doug Cross) Adams of New Philadelphia; her special great-nephew, Hunter Cross; her step-daughters, Lori (Stephen) Laizure, Christan (Michael) Sears, Jennifer (Leo Swank) Mc-Coy-Swank, and Sarah (Jason) Robinson; and eight grandchildren.

The family will greet guests on Monday, June 13, 2016 from Noon – 1:30 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Pastor Bill Johnson will lead a service celebrating Deb’s life at 1:30 PM. Burial in the Evergreen Burial Park will follow.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Country Club Retirement Center and the Physical Therapy Department for their special care and attention during Deb’s time at the facility.

Memorial contributions in Deb’s name may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.