Deborah Sue Hinderer

URBANA – Deborah Sue Hinderer, age 69, passed away in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on Aug. 8, 2025. Debby was born in Marysville, Ohio, on May 9, 1956, the first child of William (Bill) James and Lucille James. She was raised in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, and graduated from Graham High School in 1974.

Debby worked at Grimes/Honeywell for many years, before dedicating most of her professional life to teaching children as a paraprofessional at West Liberty-Salem Schools. Although she loved working with all kids, she had a special passion for those who needed extra one-on-one time. She was passionate about literacy and developing kids' love of words. Many adult former students have fond memories of Mrs. Hinderer in the classroom, lunchroom, or on the playground. During her time at West Liberty-Salem Schools, she was vice president of the local Association of Public School Employees.

Debby was a gourmet chef – food was her love language, and she always worked hard to ensure she thought about everyone she cooked for and made food they would enjoy. From feeding hungry teenagers to large family cookouts, EVERYONE looked forward to her latest concoction.

She was immensely proud of the fact that all three of her children are doctors. Her favorite pastime was sitting in her back yard either reading or being surrounded by family and friends and her beloved dogs. When not relaxing in the back yard, Debby and Ken would drive to the UP every summer to spend time on their family land on the edge of Lake Superior. They hiked through the woods to their favorite spot at the beach or on the rocks.

Debby didn't do anything halfheartedly, and when she discovered her love for Ohio State Buckeyes football, she became one of their most enthusiastic and loudest fans. So loud, in fact, her dog would hide when the game was on. She danced, she sang, and she told jokes in a way that brought everyone around her joy and will be greatly missed by many.

She is survived by her husband of 40 happy years, Ken Hinderer; daughter, Amanda Wolf (Todd) Eldridge; sons, Ross (Samantha Treu) Hinderer, and Christian (Julia Johansson) Hinderer; and cherished grandchildren, Austin and Avery Wolf and Ansel Treu. She is also survived by her sister, Karen (Brian) Miller; brother, Bob (Melissa) James; her mom and step-dad, Lucy and Ron Welch; and plenty of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, William (Bill) James; mother-in-law, Beda Hinderer; and father-in-law, Gary Hinderer; grandparents, Margie and Russell Frost and Mildred James. Also, a talking dog, her dad's friend Larry, and two boys who just came up from Tennessee.

The family would like to thank Dr. Singh, Dr. Bo, and the nurses and staff of the Springfield Regional Cancer Center for their care and support over many years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Champaign County Animal Welfare League, Planned Parenthood, or a charity of your choice.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 in VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.

Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home with Father Tim West officiating.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.