Deborah L. Garber

Deborah L. Garber, 65, of Chatham, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. She was born November 22, 1950, the daughter of Ward and Getheral Spindle Ritter and was raised in Bristol, West Virginia. She graduated from Bristol High School in 1968 and earned a bachelor's degree from Salem College in Salem, West Virginia. Debbie worked as a secretary at Ball-Chatham Elementary in the 1990s and was the executive director for SMACNA/MCA Contractors Association for the last 15 years. She retired in August of 2015. Debbie married her college sweetheart, Richard J. Garber of Canton, OH on August 14, 1971. They moved to Springfield, IL soon after graduation. They were blessed with two sons, Scott and Michael. Debbie was involved in many charitable organizations, including Relay for Life, Women's Circle at Laurel United Methodist Church, Meals on Wheels, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She was an active member of Laurel United Methodist Church. Debbie enjoyed reading, traveling, singing in the church choir, theater, and spending time with her family. She was the proud Nana of three beautiful grandchildren. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Laurent Brard of Simmon's Cancer Center for his knowledge and compassionate care during her long battle with cancer. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Rich Garber of Chatham; two sons, Scott (Rhonda) Garber of Edwardsville and Michael (Kaci) Garber of Springfield; sister, Belva (Earl) Junkins of Bristol, WV; three grandchildren, Ian (10), Westen (3) and Alivia (6 months); and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. An additional visitation will be held from 12:00-12:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield. Celebration of Life: 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Laurel United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Kent Lolling officiating. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, 14 Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 1710, New York, NY 10122.