Debby Louise Graber

Kalona- Debra “Debby” Louise (Maust) Graber, age 66, of Wellman, Iowa, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 around 1pm. She died at home with loving family gathered around, after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer which was diagnosed in February of 2021.

Debby was born on January 18, 1959 in Pigeon Michigan, to parents Clayton & Berniece (Albrecht) Maust. She was the 4th of 5 children and they spent lots of hours working on the family chicken farm. She attended public school in Pigeon until her senior year at Eastern Mennonite high school in Virginia, and graduated in 1977. She met Barry while attending Rosedale Bible College in 1979, and after forming a fast friendship, they began dating and were married May 10, 1980, in Pigeon, Michigan. They enjoyed 43 years of marriage and had 7 children together.

Her heart for people showed in serving her community. She loved hymns and acapella singing, and it was a high priority to teach her children 4-part harmony. The Graber family often sang at Pleasantview retirement home for the elderly. She was a member of Sunnyside Mennonite for many years, and enjoyed quilting, teaching Sunday school, and hosting youth group gatherings. Barry and Debby both enjoyed many outings with the Voyagers, a group comprised from several local churches.

She was a hard worker and rarely met a job she wasn’t willing to tackle. She did the secretarial work for many years for the family business, Graber Heating & Air, and served at the MCC sale for over 15 years. She volunteered countless hours at Pathway Christian school where her children attended—trimming trees, painting lockers, serving at the concession stand and helping with fundraisers—contributing in numerous ways that helped the school grow and thrive. For 5 years she assisted Sherri Keller and Anna Marie in midwifery work for the Amish community and helped safely deliver over 125 babies, a service she did joyfully and wholeheartedly.

Debby loved spending time with her family, taking many road trips and vacations together. Michigan and Florida were the most popular destinations, with swimming and searching for shells and shark’s teeth the favorite activities. She greatly enjoyed a trip to Israel with her siblings in 2005 in honor of Clayton’s 75th birthday. Having all of her children and grandchildren gathered together and reuniting with extended family was one of her greatest joys.

Debby is survived by her seven children, 23 grandchildren, and 4 siblings. Konrad & Shannon (Graber) Krabill of Shedd, Oregon and their children, Annika, Benson, Elissa, Carson, Carita, Kason, & Darison. Randy & Shelley (Graber) Smucker of Harrisburg, Oregon and their children Jocelyn, Charlotte, William, Archer, & Hayes. Shawn & Heidi (Zook) Graber of Joetown, IA, and children Owen, Canon, Gloria, and Stellan. Shelby & Keilah (Brokaw) Graber of Wellman, IA, and their children Valor, Judah & Barrett. Shane & Fern (Kohl) Graber of Wellman, IA, and children Emma, Caspian and Felix. Colton & Sheryl (Graber) Kropf of Kalona, IA. Shaylon & Shaylee (Shryock) Graber of Wellman, IA and daughter Emberlynn. Siblings Larry & Cherie Yoder, Jerry & Tammy Maust, Darrell & Lynette Yoder, Lester & Lori Beachy, 17 nieces and nephews, 35 great nieces and nephews, and 10 great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Barry Graber, grandson Treyson Krabill, niece Katie Yoder, and parents Clayton & Berniece Maust, and stepmother Thelma (Hershberger) Maust.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, at the Fairview Mennonite Church in rural Kalona. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, September 28 at Fairview Mennonite Church where the family will greet friends from 3-7pm. A memorial fund has been established for Pathway School. The Yoder-Powell Funeral Home is caring for Debby and her family.