Deborah Detwiler

Deborah Kaye Detwiler, 67, of Bristol, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at her residence in Bristol, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Oct. 15, 1957, in Houston, Texas, to Raymond and Mary Lou (Johnson) Hansen.

Debbie grew up in Elkhart and graduated from Concord High School. She had several jobs like most teens, then she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Jan. 13, 1977. While in the Air Force she was a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Specialist and attained the rank of E4, then she ended her military career on March 24, 1980, to become a mother.

Debbie's passions were her family and her relationship with the Lord. She lived her life as a dedicated fisherman. (Matthew 4:19) Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will send you out to fish for people, and she did just that. Everyone she spoke to she shared the gospel and the love of the Lord. She sang, played the guitar and piano at her church, Calvary Hill Baptist, and with her incredible faith she followed the promoting of the Lord and composed her "Opus." She created a board game called "Battle for the Heart," which is just another way she is getting the good word of the Lord out there. 3rd John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." She poured her heart, and all her belief into this game. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids, that she dearly loved.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Steve Detwiler, her brothers, Ray Hansen, Jeff Hansen and Brian Hansen, her children Djoko and Crystal, Naomi and Trent, Josiah, Adam and Angie, Corey, Valerie and Bill, Tim and Jamie and her 15 grandchildren. Joshua 24:15 "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Mike Hansen, Cheryl Swegan and Rebecca (Becky) Cupery.

Cremation will take place at Elkhart Cremation Services and a celebration of life gathering with full military honors will be held Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. with allowance for visitation before and after the service at the Calvary Hill Baptist Church. Pastor Tim Wesco will render the service and memorial contributions may be given to Goshen Hospice.