Deborah "Debbie" Ann Kopp

Debbie was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on September 8, 1952 to Wendell and Ruth Roberts. She grew up in Wannamaker, Indiana and moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1964 where she attended Griffith Elementary, East High School, and graduated from Arizona State University.

Debbie worked as an elementary schoolteacher for 26 years in the Mesa School District where she touched the lives of countless students and parents and made many friends before she retired in 2012 due to her illness. She was an active member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church for over three decades where she was their first preschool director, taught Sunday school, and sang in the church choir.

Besides her husband, Richard, Debbie leaves her children, Jeremy (Tamsen), Stephen (Dawn), Matthew (Tesz), Kelsey, and Christopher (Alison). The joy of her life were her grandchildren, Austin, Calvin, Hunter, Mackenzie, and Hayden. She will be missed by her mother, Ruth, and brothers, John (JoElyn) and Kent (Cathy), along with her husband, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Debbie was a beautiful person with a genuine smile and a kind word for every person she met. She had so many friends in many different places. She was the sweetest person who was incredibly selfless and patient. Debbie always wanted to know those she cared about were happy and well. Even to this day, she continues to give back to help those in need.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home (3405 N. Higley Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215, 480-832-2540, www.sunshineacres.org).

Funeral services and reception will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 20 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church (2540 W Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202). Viewing will begin at 10 a.m. Burial will be held at 3 p.m. at Mariposa Gardens following the reception (400 S. Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206).