Debra Ann Kear

Debra Ann Kear, age 72, of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital following a two-month illness.

Born in Wyandot Memorial Hospital in Upper Sandusky, Ohio on February 20, 1953, Debbie was a daughter of the late Hobart Wright and Darlene Joyce Wright-Sherman.

She was a graduate of Carey High School in Carey, Ohio and on February 20, 1971, she married James A. Kear. Together the couple had two daughters and shared 53 years of marriage prior to his passing on September 21, 2024.

Debbie was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover. She enjoyed playing Bingo, traveling to casinos, fishing, and being with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving are her daughters, Tracy (Rob) Laughlin of Sugarcreek, and Heather (Jim) Fox of New Philadelphia; her grandchildren, Zachary (Jenny) Johnson, Kearsten (Jeff) Hershberger, Corbin (Alanna) Johnson, Kylee (David) Little, and Gage (Emily) Teischinger; her great-grandchildren, Wren, Griffin, Winrey, Kason, Nox, Gaven, and Sage as well as an expected great-grandson, Ezra. Completing the family are her brother, Brian “Hobie” (Becky) Wright of Carey, Ohio and an aunt, Mary Ellen “Butchie” (Isadore) McLaughlin as well as her nieces and nephews.

The family will greet guests on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 5 – 7 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A private graveside service in Dover Burial Park will take place at a later date.