DEBBIE DUCOMMUN Debbie Ducommun, aka Debbie the Rat Lady, of Chico passed away unexpectedly at age 59 on Sunday March 4, 2018. Debbie was born on Nov. 11, 1958 in Downers Grove, IL to Dan & Ona Mertens. Debbie was the 3rd of 4 children, & she loved animals. Debbie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Animal Behavior from Chico State in 1980. She met & married Larry Ducommun on April 21, 1990. In 1992, she started the national Rat Fan Club, & in June 1992 published the first issue of "The Rat Report" a monthly newsletter for pet rat owners. In 1998, she had her first book published "Rats: A Fun & Care Book" to answer questions for pet rat owners. The uniqueness of the book drew the attention of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," & Debbie appeared on that show on August 3, 1998. In 2003, she started the Rat Assistance & Teaching Society (RATS) to help educate pet care professionals about the proper care of pet rats. Debbie said GOD's ministry & mission for her life was to help pet rats & their owners. Debbie & Larry attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church since 2004. For the past 10 years, Debbie loved playing guitar, singing, & worshipping with the contemporary music Praise team. She is survived by her husband Larry, her mother Ona Mertens, her sister Kathy (John) Schifferle, her brothers Steve (Lydia) Mertens & John (AnnMarie) Mertens, and their families. She'll be missed by her family, her church family, & rat fans around the world. For her full obituary, go to the Newton-Bracewell Funeral Home website, NewtonBracewell.com.

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Published by Chico Enterprise-Record on Mar. 17, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Debbie Ducommun

Sponsored by ChicoER.com.

18 Entries

Linda Ewald

July 25, 2024

Over 6-yrs since your passing (hard to believe). You helped me develop a deeper understanding & love of rats. Thank you........say "Hello !" to all of my rats who have passed on & watch over them (until I get there, too). RIP

Cami

July 24, 2024

Thank you, Debbie. You helped me be good to my pet rats.

Kelsey A Mathias

April 30, 2021

Well, goodness, since all rats go (back to) Heaven, Debbie has her human paws full these days. Bless her and all she did on Earth for these sweet animals.

Jeff

January 31, 2021

I just learned of Debbie in the behind scenes video on Willard and loved what she had to say. I was afraid this was the news I would find but am happy she lived her life to it's fullest. I wish I'd gotten to meet her.

Sherry Bart

April 22, 2020

I was shocked to find out today that You had passed on. I cannot put into words how sad i am right now. Over the years You helped me out several times with my ratties, with your expert but loving advice. Debbie, You were truly an Angel...And such a beautiful person, May You Rest in Peace.

Leslie Powell

February 29, 2020

You had a kind mission in life and performed it well. I had these gentle creatures for many years during which you helped answer my questions on several occasions. RIP Debbie, live on beyond the veil with all the ratties and humans who knew and loved you.

April 7, 2019

So sorry you're gone, Debbie.

Linda Ewald

March 11, 2019

I cannot believe it has been a whole year since her passing! I currently have 11-ratties, partially due to learning how wonderful pet rats can be from Debbie's articles & books. Her legacy lives on...as does her spirit. "See you & our critters someday on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge" : )

Robin K Spence

December 14, 2018

I would just like to say I wished I could have met this Great Lady, I have several rats of my own and countless rats I have rescued through the years. I currently work for the Humane Society in Colorado and see many rats come in to the shelter I do my best to adopt what I can in the limited space where I live. I know mine as well as other ratties welcomed her over Rainbow Bridge!

Fr. Stephen O'Brien, OSF

October 3, 2018

Debbie and St. Francis would have hit it off! Such a caring and devoted lady. May God rest her soul.

Elizabeth Lindsey

September 29, 2018

Debbie made a tremendous difference in the lives of many, both humans and rats. She was a kind person, so generous with her vast knowledge of rat behavior and health, and an effective ambassador for rats. She cared deeply for the "least of these" and helped others learn to appreciate a species that's often reviled. She was always there to give each of us guidance with our rats' health concerns, and I don't know what we'll do without her. The world seems to have dimmed since I've learned of her death. She will be greatly missed.

Karin Engel

September 1, 2018

You will always be missed by all fellow rat lovers and their little fur babies.

Rest in peace Debbie Ducommun ❤

Debbie R

August 10, 2018

I knew Deb ever since I brought my very first rattie home in 2008 and when I found out about her passing in March I was, and still am, heartbroken. She was an amazing human being with such compassion in her heart. She loved these precious little creatures so much that she dedicated her life to them and gave guidance to loving rattie moms and dads everywhere. She was an advocate for rats and helped the rest of the world see them and understand them in a different light.

Debbie Ducommun, you will be missed so very much by us all! Thank you for everything youve done to help all of us who truly love rats.

I have no doubt that God would have you watching over each and every rattie that ever crossed the Bridge, please give my sweet boys each a little kiss and a scritch for me in heaven. Be free Deb, be at peace and see you in the next life!

Linda

June 2, 2018

Caring for my 7 ratties, I thought of you...and Smiled :)

Linda Ewald

May 25, 2018

I worked for 20-yrs in the pet industry; I found out about Debbie through a 'Critters USA' annual magazine ad (Rat Fan Club). When someone dropped off a mom & 2 baby rats at our pet store approx 18-yrs ago, I brought them home (my very 1st pet rats). I turned to Debbie's website, articles, & books to guide me; she was a life-saver! With her help, I turned into a GGMR person; she aided me in educating customers on what terrific pets rats are. Her intelligence & guidance will be sorely missed. I'm sure she's playing with all of those ratties at the 'Rainbow Bridge' right now!! Rest In Peace

Michelle Hermary

May 16, 2018

I met Debbie some years ago through her publication the Rat Report. I even got a picture published through it. Debbie , from all my experiences with her, was a die hard rat fan and lover of rodents big and small. She will be dearly missed in the rat world and beyond.

May 15, 2018

I'll miss you Debbie say hi to our ratties in Heaven for me you were amazing. and thank you for everything. for being a good friend and for helping all of rat kind.

-Katey

April 27, 2018

An amazing human being with a generous heart. She shared her knowledge openly and gave her time freely. Her love for rats spread to all of us fellow rat lovers! My life and my rats lives will forever be grateful for this wondrous, loving woman! You are missed every day!

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