Debra Suzanne Papst

Debbie Papst of Ontario, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on September 6, 2024, at the age of 58. She was born July 28, 1966, in Mansfield, Ohio, to John and Nancy McMillen. She married her high school sweetheart, Craig Papst, and together they had 3 children, Mitchell, Mackenna, and Madison.

Debbie was a 1984 graduate of Ontario High School, where she played volleyball, basketball, and softball. She later graduated from North Central Technical College with an associate's degree in Therapeutic Recreation and then, in 1989, completed her bachelor's degree from Kent State University in Leisure Studies, becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and a Licensed Social Worker (LSW).

Debbie used her creative skills and compassionate heart to open the eyes of her patients and residents and reminded them of their worth, from working with adolescents and adults at specialized mental health units to older adults who were homebound or living within a long-term care setting. She empowered them to take their lives back!

Debbie was her children's biggest cheerleader! From sewing Halloween costumes to attending soccer games and dance recitals, her love for Mitchell, Mackenna, and Madison reflected her belief that being actively engaged in your children's lives produces healthy and happy people who can spread love and kindness to the world. She lived that out until the end.

Debbie is survived by her husband Craig; children, Mitchell (Bethany) Papst, Mackenna (Paul) Homan, and Madison Papst (Chris France); her two beautiful granddaughters, Tiffin and Sloane; her parents, John and Nancy McMillen; her brother, Scott (Tawnia) McMillen and their children Cory, Kyle (Tori), Cody, Kolin (Hannah), and Kiana; brother-in-law, Rich (Lori) Papst and their children, Levi (Ginny), Zevon (Stephanie), Lucas, Isaiah (Dahlia), and Zaynon; sister-in-law, Beth (Mike) McBride and their child, Caroline; sister-in-law, Lynn Simms and her children, Gerad, Brooklynn, and Brett (Andrea); her little nuggets, Tinley, Aleah, and Gunnar; special cousins, neighbors, and close friends- all of these she loved and touched deeply.

Debbie's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to those who have reached out during this difficult time. The family invites all who knew and loved Debbie to keep her legacy of love alive by sharing how she touched your lives, which will be preserved and shared with future generations. Please send your legacy letters to [email protected].

Debbie's family invites you to join us in celebrating her life at Mosaic Church, 296 Park Ave. West, Mansfield, OH on Sunday, September 22, 2024, with calling hours from 1:00-3:00 pm and the Celebration service beginning at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Richland County Dog Warden & Adoption Center, 810 N. Home Rd., Mansfield, OH 44904.