Submitted by: Dan Rich

Debra Lynn Tiller

Nov. 10, 1958 - Feb. 9, 1998

South Bend Tribune 2/11/1998

Debra Lynn Tiller, 39, died at 3:35 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Ind. Family members and close friends were by her side at the time of death. She was born on Nov. 10, 1958, to the union of Hazel Elizabeth O'Toole and Merle Eugene Tiller, who both preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her loving grandmother, with whom she resided upon the death of her parents. Debra resided on Monroe Street after moving from the Hawthorne Logan Group Home. She worked very hard to maintain independence and was proud of her successes. She was a participant in the LOGAN semi-independent living program. Debra's close friend and roommate, Lynetta Ladd, will miss their life together. She is survived by a brother, Larry Tiller, and by many cousins.

Debra had a family who provided legal guardianship, a weekend home, support for personal struggles and much love. They are Linda, Dan, Jacob and Dawn VanDyke. Debra developed many friendships during the years she was involved with LOGAN. Some of those treasured friends, Leeann Rappelli, Almo Wynn and Veronica Adkins were by her side during life and at the time of death. Her very close friend, Steven Oswald, has many memories of their fun times together. Debra had many hobbies. She loved to paint, watch ''Little House on the Prairie,'' eat fried chicken and complete word game puzzles. She was a former member of the LOGAN choir and an active participant in the LUVABILITY/Spiritual Expression in the Arts for the developmentally disabled. She loved to serve others and made daily phone calls to the people she liked to check on. Debra loved holding babies.

She was a former employee of LOGAN industries, and most recently participated in community volunteer services. Her favorite service was helping deliver meals on wheels to senior citizens.

Visitation for Debra will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Forest G. Hay Funeral Home, 435 Ironwood, South Bend, and one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the First Missionary, Church, 2325 E. U.S. 12, Niles, Mich., with Rev. Daniel Miller and Rev. Michael Smith officiating. From 11:30 a.m. to noon the LUVABILITY ministry team will be conducting a ''Celebration of Debra's Life'' service. Private graveside services will be conducted at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, Ind. Debra will be laid to rest close to her parents and grandmother.

May the ''Angels watch over her'' forever. Memorial contributions may be made to the LUVABILITY Ministry For The Developmentally Disabled, C/O the First Missionary Church, Niles.