Deborah A Larson

In Loving Memory of Deborah Ann Larson
Deborah (Debby) Ann Larson of Lancaster, Ohio departed this world on March 13th, 2024. Born on March 18th, 1958, in Athens, Ohio, she was the first child of Jim and Sally Karns. The Karns family lived in Athens, in Auburn, New York, and in Ibadan, Nigeria, before settling in Lancaster in 1968.
Debby attended Lancaster High School (class of 1974) before going on to study at Ohio University, eventually earning a Bachelors Degree. A woman of many talents, Debby's primary profession could easily have been antique dealer, travel planner, interior decorator, master gardener, librarian, photographer or party planner. Instead, her deep care and compassion for others called her to the medical field. Beginning as a lab technician, she went on to devote many years to her work as a nurse. In her most cherished professional role, she tenderly welcomed many new lives into the world as a mother-infant nurse, most recently at Mount Carmel East Hospital, in Columbus.
At the heart of Debby's boundless spirit was her unwavering love for her family. She was preceded in death by her father but is survived by her mother, her brother Ken Karns (Cathy), her devoted husband Jerry Larson, her beloved children Shanan Peters, Shelley Karl (David), Angela Larson (Onur Dizdar), and Jared Larson (Eva), and her precious grandchildren, Emma, Maxwell, and Ruby. Alongside her human family, she leaves behind adored canine companions, Pierre, Odie, and Ivy.
An intrepid explorer of the world with an adventurous spirit, traveling Debby experienced 47 countries across 5 continents and all 50 US states. Debby's presence illuminated the lives of all fortunate enough to know her, and her love and light will forever guide and inspire those who carry her memory in their hearts.
A Celebration of Debby's Life will be held at Halteman Fett & Dyer Funeral Home in Lancaster at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 30th. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alex's Lemonade Stand in support of childhood cancer research would honor Debby's compassionate spirit.