Debbie was born on September 30, 1950 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was adopted by Ray and Wilma Pennington.
She met her husband Rick Shrader in 1976 at a Blackwood Brothers concert. After a missionary trip to Africa in which they went with their church group, they married in May of 1977. They later had their only child Sara. Rick and Debbie celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary earlier this year.
Debbie enjoyed reading, baking, shopping, and playing with her beloved grandkids. She also loved walks around Gray’s Lake and time visiting with family and friends. Debbie attended Union Park Baptist Church where she worshiped her Lord and Savior and fellowship with her church family.
She graduated from Iowa Lutheran School of Nursing began her career as a nurse at Lutheran Hospital. After 9 years there, she took a position in the Maternity Ward at Mercy Hospital, where she retired after 29 years of service.
Debbie is survived by her husband, Rick; daughter, Sara Daniels (Seth) of Des Moines; grandchildren, Noah and Ever; step-mother, Norma Pennington of Des Moines; sister, Becky Jerwers (Jim) of California. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Wilma Pennington.
Funeral services will be 10 am on Friday, August 10 at Union Park Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday evening at the church. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. Memorials may be made to Swaziland Orphanage c/o Union Park Baptist Church.