Debra Ann Bower

Debra "Debbie" Ann Bower (nee Linde) of Avon Lake, Ohio, formerly of Old Brooklyn in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away October 1, 2025. Born to the late Edward and Elaine (nee Mullenix) Linde, Debbie lived her life in the service of the Lord and brought joy to all those around her.

Debbie attended and graduated from James Ford Rhodes High School in 1973. During her time in high school, she met Theodore "Ted" Bower. After three years, they married on April 12, 1975. Debbie was a very devoted wife and mother to her three children, choosing to stay at home to raise them in their younger years before returning to the workforce when they were school-aged. She was a natural caregiver, not only raising her children, but also taking care of her parents, mother-in-law, and husband during their end-of-life care.

Debbie was a very devoted Christian, accepting Jesus Christ as her savior at age 16 during Billy Graham's crusade to Cleveland. She served in several congregations throughout her life, including Parma Lutheran, St. Mark, and St. James in Cleveland. She served in multiple ways at each congregation, helping teachers at St. Mark with administrative tasks and PTL activities. She was a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) and participated in Christian Women's Club, Friendship Bible Coffees, and multiple bible studies and prayer groups. Debbie and Ted became members of Church in the Valley in Peninsula, Ohio, in their later years. Debbie devoted herself to studying scripture and praying often for others' needs. Her ministry was one of love, compassion, and selflessly nurturing others in their faith.

Debbie loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends. She enjoyed being in nature, gardening, listening to music, being by water, hiking, as well as feeding birds and little animals. She and Ted spent many days in the parks and beautiful areas around Cleveland riding together on his motorcycle. Debbie was an incredible cook and baker, making her signature spaghetti, corn casserole, and banana bread, as well as other baked goods. Preparing meals was just another way she showed love to her family and friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved trying new things, meeting new people, and really enjoyed making others feel at home. She desired that all would come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and King, finding peace and forgiveness from God our Father.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS can be made to: Samaritan's Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Debbie is survived by her beloved children Jennifer Sestak, Grace (Kevin) Hejnal, and Ted (Greta) Bower; cherished granddaughters Clara and Emma Bower; loving step-granddaughters Kristen and Kara Hejnal; dear sisters Teala (the late William) Graham, Marsha Moore, and Amy (Jeff) Bane; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 47 years, Ted, and her parents Edward and Elaine Linde.

Services for Debbie will be October 24, 2025 at 11 AM at Church in the Valley 2241 Everett Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264 with a luncheon to follow. For those who are unable to visit in-person, the service will be live-streamed through this link: https://my.gather.app/remember/debra-ann-bower Busch Funeral Home is proud to serve the family of Debbie Bower. www.buschcares.com 440-933-3202