Ms. Deborah Ann Davies, 69, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at the Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart surrounded by her family on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 12 noon following a brief but courageous battle with an extended illness. She was born in Elkhart on May 12, 1951 and was the daughter of the late Dean and Colleen Harmon. She is survived by her former spouse Thomas C. Davies of Elkhart, with whom she remained close friends throughout her life.

Also surviving are her loving children Lori Ann (Brent Stapp) Schmucker of Bremen and Thomas W. “Tommy” Davies of Nappanee; sister Linda (Barry) Forrester of Arlington Heights, IL; granddaughter Courtney Schmucker and grand-dog Lady the Cocker Spaniel.

In accordance with Deborah’s wishes for dignity and simplicity, cremation is to take place. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart have been assisting the family with those arrangements.

Deborah spent many years as an administrative supervisor at ADEC Industries in Elkhart, where she enjoyed her role in being able to assist in the day to day activities of her functionally challenged friends. In her early years, she was her former husband’s (Tom’s) loyal stock car racing spouse, supporting the family as they traveled around from track to track and cheering on for her beloved # 6. Her unwavering family loyalty was also very present in the raising of her children Lori and Tommy, who were the primary recipients of her abundant love and support throughout the years. She also went on to lavish her granddaughter Courtney with that very same love. As the years went by, those two developed a very close relationship, and in the recent past Deborah had enjoyed attending Courtney’s Northwood High’s Color Guard Activities and then watching her graduate. But despite her love to be around her family and friends, Deborah still had a private side, and enjoyed those quiet times where she could sit and reflect and simply… “smell the flowers”. She will be greatly missed.  

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the special care and consideration given to Deborah by the nice people down at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa;  to the Center for Hospice Care for the meaningful end of life care provided by her hospice team, and for the unselfish love of friends who lavished Deborah and her family with love, kind words and deeds, as well as supplying constant support during her illness.

Family and friends are encouraged to browse the funeral home’s website, where one can share the obituary, leave condolences for the family, order flowers, get directions and more.