Debra "Debbie" Kay Nikolaus

Debra Kay Nikolaus, 62, of Shelby, passed away late Friday evening, September 21, 2018 at her home. She was born May 29, 1956, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late George Washington Young and Marilyn (Washburn) Young.

She graduated from Madison High School and Mansfield Business College. On May 28, 1988, she married her beloved husband, Les Nikolaus and they raised five wonderful children together. She also helped raise her grandson, Xavier Parker. Debbie was very family oriented and enjoyed traveling-near or far-with her husband. An avid animal lover, she had a special place in her heart for her pet cats and dogs. Debbie knew the value of hard work having grown up on a farm and worked in several factories over the years before becoming a Customer Service Manager on 3rd shift at Walmart.

She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Les Nikolaus; five children, Alexander (Brittany) Nikolaus, Myriah Nikolaus, Chris (Julie) Nikolaus, Joy (Greg) Darling and Valerie Aguilar; twelve grandchildren; four siblings, Jim (Anne) Young, Sue Stahl, Shirley Frank, and Denny (Pam) Young; and several children who were at her house as much as her own, Amanda Bishop, Crystal McCalla, Stephanie Barnett, Travis Stoner and many others.

In addition to her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by three siblings, Mary McCalla, Betty White, and George Young.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Monday, October 1, 2018, at St. John's United Church of Christ, 68 Park Avenue East, Mansfield. A memorial service will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. Wappner Cremation Center is privileged to serve the family.