Kathryn Ann Debevec

Kathryn Ann Debevec, 89, passed away on May 25, 2012, in the home she loved and surrounded by the family she loved so well.

A daughter of the late Reba (Rogers) and Charles Harrison, Kathryn was born at Newcomerstown, Ohio, on August 10, 1922.

She is survived by her children, Nancy and Collier Dill of New Philadelphia, John and Rose Debevec of North Canton, and Gerry and Ron Tinor of New Philadelphia.

Completing the family are her beloved grandchildren, Corinna and Jim, John and Carrie, Scott and Jess, Alicia and Thom, David and Mildred, Joe and Amber, and great-grandchildren Dylan, Olivia, Bailey, Acadia, Irelyn, Kelsey, and Louis; a sister-in-law, Ann Debevec, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Debevec, whom she married on July 7, 1943, in Blanket, Texas; a brother, Donald Harrison; a sister, Joy Lorraine Stocker; and a grandson, Brian Tinor.

Her life-long faith in the Lord carried her through rough times, and her belief that her “cup was always half full” made the rest of her days good ones. She loved the “beautiful world that God gave us” and took time each day to enjoy nature and its gifts. She delighted in the pets she had throughout her life, she enjoyed watching the birds at their feeders, and she loved flowers and working in her yard and around her house. She was an avid reader, worked jigsaw puzzles relentlessly, and “painted” for relaxation. She always put her family’s needs before her own and was a wise and gentle teacher of life. She had an outrageous sense of humor, a keen wit, and always enjoyed a good laugh.

But the thing she enjoyed most of all was her weekly fellowship at Holmes United Methodist Church, where she was a member for many years. Her week was not complete if she didn’t get to attend church, and we know she missed the fellowship with her friends at Holmes UMC during the last two years of her failing health. Her bright smile and twinkling eyes will long be remembered, and she enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Special thanks to the caring staff of Community Hospice for helping to enable Kathryn to spend her final years in the home she loved so much. You all helped to brighten her days. She especially enjoyed her rousing weekly conversations with Chaplain Brian Flood, who was affectionately known as “Boyfriend Number Two”.

Thanks also to her special friends, Susan and Tom Hines, Jennifer Heathcock, Jane Hadley, and Kendra McNatt. You never forgot her and the family during this bittersweet journey. We will always remember the love you so willingly gave.

Mom, we were honored and proud to be your kids and felt privileged to take care of you. We look forward to spending eternity with you, where we’ll all be together again “in the twinkling of an eye”.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastors Brian Flood and Roger Warnes will lead a celebration of Kathryn’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Holmes United Methodist Church Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following the committal, all are invited to share a meal and fellowship in the Social Hall of Holmes United Methodist Church.

Kathryn enjoyed flowers all her life and said she didn’t need any when she died. At her request, please direct memorials in her honor to The Palliative Care Unit at Aultman Hospital, 2600 Sixth Street SW, Canton, Ohio 44710-1799, or Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090-6231 (www.SmileTrain.org).