Deborah Jean "Debby" Bollinger

Deborah "Debby" Jean Bollinger, age 69, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025. Born on March 10, 1956, Debby was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her life was defined by unwavering faith, deep compassion, and a fierce love for her family.

A lifelong Cincinnatian, Debby grew up surrounded by the kind of close-knit, supportive family that shaped her into the warm and generous person so many knew and loved. For 48 wonderful years, she shared her life with her beloved husband, Elmer "Butch" Bollinger. Together, they built a home full of love, laughter, and steady devotion.

She is survived by Butch and their son, Jesse (Heather) Bollinger; grandchildren Benjamin (Molly) Bollinger, Jessica (Brandon) Hicks, and Nicholas Bollinger; and great-grandson Carter Hicks, who brought endless joy into her life. Debby also shared a close and loving bond with her niece Juanita (Kristin) Williams, great-nephews: Jayjuan Williams, and Nick Bradford Jr., and great-niece Julia Bradford.

She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: sisters Kay (Larry) Ashcraft and Mary Sue (Kenny) Davis, and brothers Randy (Jessica) Caldwell and Donald (Rosie) Strunk. She was preceded in death by her mother Evelyn Creech, father Estill Caldwell Jr., and stepfather Barry Little.

For nearly 30 years, Debby dedicated herself to her role as a medical assistant at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Her gentle presence, tireless work ethic, and deep empathy made her a steady and trusted source of care and comfort for countless children and families.

Debby's life was grounded in her faith. She found strength, purpose, and joy in her church community, and lived out her beliefs each day through her kindness, generosity, and humility. Her faith wasn't simply something she held-it was something she embodied.

That same spirit of generosity extended into her home, where Debby selflessly hosted many foreign exchange students throughout the years. She welcomed each one with open arms, offering not just a place to stay, but a sense of belonging and family. Her kindness left a lasting mark on those she welcomed into her life from around the world.

At home, Debby cherished the simple joys: evenings spent in her recliner next to Butch, their pup Zoey at her feet, and the quiet comfort of a favorite TV show. She lit up during family gatherings, especially around the holidays, when her warmth and creativity brought everyone together. No celebration was complete without her.

She adored her grandchildren and her extended family, always making time for board games, storytelling, or playtime on the floor with little Carter and his dinosaurs and trucks. To each of them, she was not only a relative-but a safe place, a guiding voice, and a steady source of unconditional love.

Travel was another joy in her life, especially when it meant visiting loved ones. Trips to Florida to see her sister were among her favorites, filled with sunshine, laughter, and treasured memories.

Debby will be remembered for her creativity, her honesty, and the way she could make anyone feel welcome. She had a unique gift for turning strangers into friends and for speaking her mind with sincerity and grace. Her life was a true reflection of love, loyalty, and faith-and her legacy lives on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with a funeral service following at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church (1170 OH-131 Milford, OH 45150.)

Debby will be laid to rest on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Baltimore Pike Cemetery.

In honoring Debby's life, her family invites all who knew her to come and celebrate the love, laughter, and legacy she so generously gave to the world.