Debra Erle-Phelps

GENEVA - Debra Erle-Phelps, 70, of Geneva, New York passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Deb was born on August 15, 1955, in Sayre, Pennsylvania to William and Marlene Erle. She graduated from SUNY Cobleskill and spent her life giving back and caring for others. She took immense pride in helping those less fortunate through her volunteer efforts. In that same vein, Deb was an unapologetic Feminist who never backed down from a protest or an argument in staunch support of women's rights.

She was a wife, mother, sister, aunt and "Dog Grammie" to Nala, who cherished time spent with her family. We would be remiss if we didn't mention Deb's strong bond with her community of friends in Chatham, Geneva, The Valley & beyond. She loved time spent with friends whether it be through community events, live music, volunteering at the Smith Opera House, or through gatherings for book club. Perhaps more than anything Deb was a voracious reader, something she no doubt inherited from her Mom. She found great comfort in her life with a book in her hand, carefully selected at the local library.

"To many, Deb was an advocate, a close ally, supporter, and friend. To me, she was simply Mom. The person I could always count on, during my darkest hours or my happiest moments. She watched me grow from an annoying kid, to a more annoying teen, to getting married, and living my life as an adult. I've always counted on her presence to feel safe in a life that at times can feel shallow and callous. Mom always wanted a daughter, and she found one in Aashna, who she loved dearly for half of Aashna's life. I know I was able to make you proud, I could feel it all the way up to our final moments together. You brought me into this world, and though I didn't feel like it was time, I have peace in holding your hand while you left this world. Thank you for the love and support you've always given me, and I will live my life in your image, the way you would be proud to see. We love you, Ma." ~ RP

Deb is survived by her husband of 40 years, Joe Phelps; her children; Ryan & Aashna Phelps; Nala, her brother Brian Erle and husband James Elrod, two nieces Melissa Lucas and Katie Elia, all of whom she loved dearly. Services fitting Deb's image and personality are being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate on Deb's behalf to Smith Opera House in Geneva, NY - https://thesmith.org/donate/ or Safe Harbors Geneva NY https://www.shflny.org/donate