Debra Milligan

 

Debra “Deb” Jeanette Bear Milligan, 71, of Freeport, Ohio, devoted Christian, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, treasured friend, and wife of the late Jeff Milligan, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. She was born on August 25, 1954, the daughter of Ann and the late Heywood Bear.

Deb was a loving and dedicated mother to her son Kevin (Melissa) Milligan and her cherished daughter Kyra Milligan. She was blessed with two granddaughters, Olivia and Aliya Milligan, whom she adored.

Deb is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Pat Bouska, Tim (Penny) Bear, Kim (Franklin) Adkins, Jim (Tammy) Bear, Annette (Tim) Roth, Cindy Bear and Leighanna Bear; and a brother-in-law, Tom (Nancy) Milligan. 

She was preceded in death by two brothers Rick and Teddy and her father-in-law and mother-in-law Rev Harry “Bud” and Lola Milligan.

Deb was the favorite aunt to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, always offering kindness, encouragement, laughter and her fun personality. She never met a stranger. Her warm smile and open heart made everyone feel welcome. Whether on the street, at church, or at a community event, Deb had a gift for making people feel seen, appreciated and loved.

A proud lifelong resident of Freeport, Deb was well known throughout the community. Her presence was felt everywhere, through her service, her friendliness, and her genuine love for people. She made an impact simply by being herself: compassionate, generous, and always ready to help.

Deb was an active and devoted member of the The Church of the Rock (former United Methodist Church), a supporter of the Freeport Friends of the Library, and a member of the Lakeland Democratic Women. She also shared her passion for community stories as a correspondent for several local newspapers, proudly shining a light on the people and the happenings of her hometown.

She adored the color purple, often wearing it or surrounding herself with its richness. The color suited her- vibrant, warm, comforting, and full of heart.

Deb will be remembered for her grateful spirit, her kindness, and her unwavering generosity. She approached life with a selfless heart and a playful, witty sense of humor that brightened every room she walked into. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the love she shared, and the joy she gave so freely. 

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Koch Funeral Home, 216 S High Street, Freeport. Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in The Church of the Rock, 222 South High Street, Freeport. Burial will follow in Greenmont Union Cemetery, 77101 Freeport-Tippecanoe Road, Freeport. 

In keeping with Deb's wishes and her well known dislike of flowers, the family kindly asks that no flowers be sent to her services. Instead, we invite you to honor her memory in a way she would have truly appreciated: by sending a card of sympathy that includes a favorite story, a warm moment, or a bit of the laughter she brought into your life. These cards will be displayed in her memory, filing the space where the flowers would have been with the stories, smiles and memories she cherished most. Please send cards to Koch Funeral Home, 216 S High Street, Freeport, Ohio 43973, as soon as possible so they arrive by Sunday's visitation. 

Also in lieu of flowers, the family asked you to consider making a donation in her memory to the Rick Bear Memorial Fund, which supports the youth in Harrison County. Donations can be addressed to WesBanco, PO Box 156, Freeport, Ohio 43973, with in memory of Deb Milligan in the memo line.