Debra Shade Obituary
Debra “Debbie” Kay Shade, 70, of Russells Point, passed away at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine, Ohio. She was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on May 5, 1955, a daughter of the late Lewis Muffin Purtee and Lilly Louise (Bear) Purtee.
On November 29, 1975, she married Everett Emerson Shade III in DeGraff, Ohio and he preceded her in death on August 23, 2025.
Debbie is survived by her son Dale Lee Shade; granddaughter, Cheyenne (Branten Lowe) Shade; siblings, Peggy (Jerry) Weiner, Tex Purtee, Linda Purtee, Jeanie (Max) McIntire, Rick (Becky) Purtee, Rex Purtee, Terry (Tina) Purtee, and Phyllis (Rodger) Jones; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by her sister, Jackie Godinez.
Debbie had worked at Freshway Foods in Sidney, Ohio. She enjoyed word search puzzles, watching movies, playing BINGO, auto racing, and especially loved spending time with her family.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Sanford Funeral Home, 210 W. Hayes Street in DeGraff. Pastor Nate Wilcoxon will officiate a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9th at Sanford Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Greenwood-Union Cemetery in DeGraff, Ohio.
SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, DEGRAFF is honored to care for Debbie’s family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or kind message with the family at www.sanfordfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
210 W. Hayes St., De Graff, OH 43318
People and places connected with Debra
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Debra Shade
Make a Donation
in Debra Shade's name
How to support Debra's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Debra Shade's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
