Deborah A. Chatellier-Thomason

The world became a little less bright on May 28, 2026, when Deborah A. Chatellier-Thomason passed away in Ventura following a brief illness. While her family mourns her loss, they also celebrate a life filled with faith, laughter, friendship, and love.

Deborah Allene Tate was born on May 12, 1950, in Fresno County. At a young age her family moved to Ventura County, where she spent her childhood and attended Santa Paula High School, class of 1969. She spent her life building meaningful relationships wherever she went. To know Debbie was to love her. She possessed a rare gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and appreciated. Her warm smile, infectious laughter, and genuine interest in others made her a treasured friend to many.

Debbie's faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life. She loved sharing her faith and encouraging others through her words, prayers, and example. Her kindness, compassion, and unwavering belief in God's love touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on everyone blessed to know her.

She was affectionately known by her friends as "Debbie Bling," which perfectly reflected her love of jewelry, sparkling accessories, and clothing adorned with glitz and flair. Whether it was a pair of dazzling sandals, an embellished hat, or a favorite piece of jewelry, Debbie always brought her own special sparkle wherever she went.

Debbie loved people. She loved conversation, laughter, and gathering with friends. Whether she was playing Bunko, going to karaoke, enjoying games at the clubhouse, relaxing by the pool, dancing to her favorite songs, or gathering for Taco Tuesday at La Cabana in Santa Paula, she embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. Her outgoing personality made friends feel like family and strangers feel like friends.

Debbie was first married to Victor Chatellier for more than 20 years, and together they raised four children who remained the pride and joy of her life. She later found lasting love with her sweetheart, Art Thomason, with whom she shared more than twenty-five wonderful years of marriage filled with companionship, laughter, and devotion.

Debbie was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Loretta McKee, and her father, Raymond Tate. She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Arthur Thomason; daughter Kimberly Arzabal, granddaughter Kaley Arzabal, granddaughter Amanda Barnett, and her husband, Shane Barnett; daughter Nicole Johnson and her husband, Jamie Johnson, grandson Dylan Johnson and his wife, Megan Johnson, and grandson Carter Johnson; son Victor Chatellier; and son Nathan Chatellier and his wife, Megan Chatellier, along with grandchildren Ty, Adele, and Ivy Chatellier.

Debbie's family and friends will forever remember her as one of the brightest souls they have ever known. Her loving spirit, unwavering faith, generous heart, and joyful presence left an imprint on all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, friendship, faith, and laughter will continue through the many lives she touched.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura for their exceptional and compassionate care during Deborah's final days.

A private family service will be held on June 8, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to our veterans through Tunnel to Towers in Deborah's memory.