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BORN
1958
DIED
2021
Deborah Merz Obituary
Deborah Pauline "Debbie" Merz
December 6, 1958 - January 19, 2021
Deborah Pauline "Debbie" Merz was born December 6, 1958, to Robert and Linda Jonutz in Aurora, Ill. She was the oldest of four children growing up in Aurora with her brothers Rich and Duane and her sister Cathy. Debbie married and started her family of three children. In 1984 she moved with her family to Vancouver and settled in Kalama in 1986. The marriage ended in divorce and for several years she raised her family by herself.
Debbie worked for the Kalama School District as the elementary school secretary for 33 years. In her job as secretary she basically ran the school. She was a focal point for parents, teachers and kids. Whatever anyone needed, Debbie was the person to see and she always had the answer for whatever the question might be.
She had her daughter still at home with her when she married Richard Merz and they formed a blended family raising his two sons with her daughter.
Debbie rarely missed an event her children or grandchildren were in. Sports, volleyball especially, music, plays, if one of hers was in it she was there. She loved and loved hard, she sewed blankets for friends and family and cooked meals for people in times of distress. She was a loving, giving person who will be greatly missed. She was the love of her husband's life.
She left us on January 19, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Duane. She is survived by a brother, Rich Jonutz, her sister Cathy, her sons, Michael Sabo (Sarah), Dennis Sabo, her daughter Jeni O'Neil, stepsons Jake Merz, and Tom Merz (Kandice), her husband Richard, numerous grandchildren and two great granddaughters.
A viewing will be open from 1PM - 4PM on Friday at Dahl-McVickers and a service in honor of Debbie will be held Saturday at 1PM at the Kalama Church of the Nazarene.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Merz
Marsha Gregory
January 26, 2021
She was an amazing woman. I worked with her at the school district. She could handle 10 things at once and they all worked out perfect.
She had an amazing smile and a heart of gold.
Jeff & Yolanda Carrigg
January 25, 2021
I know that Debbie will forever be fondly remembered by all in this tight-knit community.
Kim Barker and family
January 24, 2021
I am so so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She was a great lady. It was a blessing to have known her. Much love and prayers.
Janet
January 22, 2021
...My deepest sympathies for your deep loss...
Clovia Ooley
January 22, 2021
Thank you Debbie for your friendship and kindness to me and my grandson Seamus. You will be thought of often.
Twila Fox
January 22, 2021
Debbie will be sorely missed. She truly was the heart of Kalama Elementary School. Farewell to a wonderful friend.
Scott & Laurie Merwin
January 22, 2021
Richard and family, thank you all for sharing Debbie with the school and community for all these years! She was kind, compassionate yet very truthful, even when you didn´t want to hear it. We hope you find comfort in knowing that she is in heaven, pain free and watching over the family she loved unconditionally.
Scott and Laurie Merwin
Bill & Debby Merz
January 22, 2021
We both are sorry for your loss, praying you take comfort in your sweet memories.
Rich Frazer
January 22, 2021
My sympathies are with the whole family. My years working with Debbie will be remembered with humor, and admiration for the devotion she had to her family and friends
Kelly
January 22, 2021
Kalama will never be quite the same again without Debbie. I will miss her laughter and our "inside" jokes. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family! RIP sweet Debbie.
Kathleen Caseday
January 22, 2021
So sorry for your loss Richard and family and friends. You are in my prayers.
carol gillette
January 22, 2021
richard, never met u but my prayers and thoughts r with u and yours
carol gillette
January 22, 2021
debbie's aunt from aurora babysit her from day one went to all her functions growing up especially remember her little stuffed kitten she was never without when she was a toddler had to go out in pouring rain to find kitty her mother was like my sister instead of sister-in-law baby sat all her siblings she is now at peace with mom dad duanie and grandma and granpa and many more special people
Aimee
January 22, 2021
So many AMAZING memories that come to my mind when I think of Deb... thank you so much for sharing her with all the families of Kalama for so many years we are so incredibly sorry for your families loss.
The Paso's
January 22, 2021
Debbie really was the hub of Kalama Elementary. A warm, knowledgeable, kind presence when you walked through those doors. Nothing seemed to phase her, as she had seen and dealt with it all. Her smirky expression is dear to my heart. DEBBIE we'll miss you.
Diane BOUDREAU
January 22, 2021
Rest in peace
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