Obituary of Lichtenwalter, Debbie Lee

Debbie Lee Lichtenwalter passed from this world to heaven on Friday,  September 15, 2017.  Debbie was born in Paris, Illinois, on December 13, 1960.  She was the daughter of James and Mildred Ritter.  She grew up on a beautiful Illinois farm with her brother, Jimmy, and has always had many stories about her experiences growing up around the farm. Despite her great love for the farm, she grew up in humble means.  Debbie had many difficulties in her childhood.  She was preceded by her mother and brother who passed on when she was at a young age.  Against such odds, Debbie excelled as a gifted artist.  Working very hard to get to a better place, she quickly became one of the top of her class in Paris High School.  She received a scholarship that allowed her to go to Illinois State University in Bloomington, Illinois.  Some of her professional accomplishments were utilizing her skills as a printmaker, art teacher and kindergarten teacher. Under the care of her Aunt Wilma and her Grandma and Grandpa Wright, Debbie received very helpful support emotionally and spiritually. She connected with a campus ministry at Illinois State University, which she came to love very much and studied the Bible to become a Christian.  To this day, Sherry Sharp, who studied the Bible with Debbie still uses her as an example of someone who never used their past to keep them from moving forward in their relationship with God. Ever since college, Debbie’s goal in life was to have a great family that glorified God. She prayed about this endlessly.  She not only reached her goal but has created a legacy of love for God and people. On November 30, 1986, Debbie married Steve Lichtenwalter. They have three children; a daughter named Keirsten who is now 25, a son named Jonathan who is now 24, and a son named Daniel who is now 18. She loved them all very much. Steve’s parents, Glen and Alita Lichtenwalter, treated Debbie as a daughter and helped care for her grandkids. Debbie’s family and many others will always remember how she has loved them and—by her example—helped them become who they are today. Many can testify how she impacted their lives.  She was both a mother and a sister to her church family whom she lovingly encouraged and counseled. She was always doing her best to help others. Even as Debbie was diagnosed with cancer, she frequently outlived her prognosis for ten years through lifestyle changes, prayer and a positive attitude. Debbie is survived by her husband, Steve; children, Keirsten, Jonathan and Daniel; Aunt Marnita, Aunt Judy, Aunt Wilma; and many other loving relatives. The memorial service for family and friends will be from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Christ Church of North Texas, 885 South State Highway 5, Fairview, Texas 75069. Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.