Debra (Deb) K. Barnhouse was born in Lincoln, NE on March 8, 1956 to Charles Damke. With the support of her Dad, she was raised by her grandparents, Vivian (Mom) and Homer Damke. She passed away surrounded by her loving family and friends, on June 2, 2019. Deb graduated from Lincoln High School, where she met and fell in love with Bruce. They were married on June 8, 1974. From this union three children and nine grandchildren were born. This Saturday would have been their 45th Wedding Anniversary, which Deb had so looked forward to celebrating.
Deb, along with Bruce, poured herself into raising and homeschooling their family which included working with the kids in a very successful, start-up wholesale bakery, Platters Plus. She also had a passion for quilts, and made them for many of her children and grandchildren. Deb was called the “Shy Crow,” in a group of quilting friends from Lincoln Bible Church, who have gathered for over 20 years.
The eight, cherished grandchildren Deb was blessed with, were in turn blessed beyond measure by her. She deserves the Grandma Extraordinaire Award for her love, time, creativity, and witness, poured into memorable moments with them.
Above all, Deb loved God and His word, the most. Having believed that Christ died for her sins, she was driven to learn through scripture, who He was and how to live in thanks for what He had done for her at the cross. She excelled in living a life of diligent bible study, selflessness, service to Lincoln Bible Church and her fellow believers, obedience, self-control, and praise of Him.
Ever since her cancer diagnosis in Dec of 2015, Deb strived to know more about the eternity God had promised through her salvation. The “refined faith” that comes only through testing, became Deb’s focus as she faced her battle with dignity and reliance upon Him for her strength and hope. Especially, in light of her imminent passing from this temporary, earthly dwelling to her permanent, heavenly home of which she gleaned joy, Deb touched lives too numerous to count with her faith and the good news, 1Cor 15:3 …“Christ died for our sins.” Though she would so humbly disagree, Deb was truly an example for us, all!
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