Deborah J. Kelly (née Overholt, formerly Leach), 80, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to her family. Born on December 1, 1944, she was raised in Wabash and Gas City, Indiana, later graduating from Marion High School. She pursued her passion for education at Ball State University before dedicating many years to shaping young minds as a teacher in the Marion Public School system.
Deborah was a proud and loving mother to her two sons, H. Robert Leach (Hallie) of Park Ridge, IL, and J. Ryan Leach (Heather) of Gas City, IN. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she was deeply cherished by her seven grandchildren: Taylor (Chris) Arthur of Franklin, IN; Delana Leach of Indianapolis, IN; Isabella Leach of Gas City, IN; and Jack, Ethan, Charles, and Thomas Leach of Park Ridge, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob M. Overholt and Doris F. Overholt of Marion, IN, as well as her beloved sisters, Christine F. Strange of Wabash, IN, and Joanna Morris of Brooklyn, MI.
She is survived by many loving family members, including her nieces Susan (Chuck) Cable of LaFontaine, IN; Jane (Gary) Barlow of Wabash, IN; and Ron (Dana) Rook of Brooklyn, MI. She also leaves behind many cousins and extended family members located throughout Wabash, Peru, Warsaw, Silver Lake, and Fort Wayne, IN.
A devout Christian, Deborah lived her life as a testament to her faith, offering her love and kindness in her own special way, offering folksy wisdom, and a warm embrace and care to those in need in her family. She was known for her strong and independent spirit, unwavering principles based on her read of the KJV Holy Bible, belief in the power of prayer, and love for playing card and board games for hours upon hours with her family. Family gatherings were her favorite, filled with her rice crispy treats, favorite pies and cookies, and enjoying her legendary lasagna. Her many stories and notes, often filled with either Bible verses or opinions on vitamins and herbs to share her diverse experiences and wisdom, will be remembered for generations.
Deborah had a gift for making her family feel special. Whether through a thoughtful handwritten notes, cooking eggs or something to eat for anyone at anytime, or simply the way she listened intently waiting to debate any topic including politics and religion, she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her love for teaching extended beyond the classroom—she was a mentor, a fierce role model, and a steady source of encouragement to her many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, students and loved ones alike.
Chocolate Grandma is now at peace, reunited with those who passed before her, but her legacy of love, faith, and family lives on. A celebration of her life will be held on June 14, 2025 at Wabash City Park and Falls Cemetery where friends and family will gather in Wabash, Indiana to share memories and honor the beautiful, complex and complicated soul she was.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to American Cancer Society.
Her faith and her love will remain in our hearts forever.
Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.
The memorial guest book for Deborah may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
Deborah J. Kelly
Deborah J. Kelly (née Overholt, formerly Leach), 80, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to her family. Born on December 1, 1944, she was raised in Wabash and Gas City, Indiana, later graduating from Marion High School. She pursued her passion for education at Ball State University before dedicating many years to shaping young minds as a teacher in the Marion Public School system.
Deborah was a proud and loving mother to her two sons, H. Robert Leach (Hallie) of Park Ridge, IL, and J. Ryan Leach (Heather) of Gas City, IN. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she was deeply cherished by her seven grandchildren: Taylor (Chris) Arthur of Franklin, IN; Delana Leach of Indianapolis, IN; Isabella Leach of Gas City, IN; and Jack, Ethan, Charles, and Thomas Leach of Park Ridge, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob M. Overholt and Doris F. Overholt of Marion, IN, as well as her beloved sisters, Christine F. Strange of Wabash, IN, and Joanna Morris of Brooklyn, MI.
She is survived by many loving family members, including her nieces Susan (Chuck) Cable of LaFontaine, IN; Jane (Gary) Barlow of Wabash, IN; and Ron (Dana) Rook of Brooklyn, MI. She also leaves behind many cousins and extended family members located throughout Wabash, Peru, Warsaw, Silver Lake, and Fort Wayne, IN.
A devout Christian, Deborah lived her life as a testament to her faith, offering her love and kindness in her own special way, offering folksy wisdom, and a warm embrace and care to those in need in her family. She was known for her strong and independent spirit, unwavering principles based on her read of the KJV Holy Bible, belief in the power of prayer, and love for playing card and board games for hours upon hours with her family. Family gatherings were her favorite, filled with her rice crispy treats, favorite pies and cookies, and enjoying her legendary lasagna. Her many stories and notes, often filled with either Bible verses or opinions on vitamins and herbs to share her diverse experiences and wisdom, will be remembered for generations.
Deborah had a gift for making her family feel special. Whether through a thoughtful handwritten notes, cooking eggs or something to eat for anyone at anytime, or simply the way she listened intently waiting to debate any topic including politics and religion, she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her love for teaching extended beyond the classroom—she was a mentor, a fierce role model, and a steady source of encouragement to her many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, students and loved ones alike.
Chocolate Grandma is now at peace, reunited with those who passed before her, but her legacy of love, faith, and family lives on. A celebration of her life will be held on June 14, 2025 at Wabash City Park and Falls Cemetery where friends and family will gather in Wabash, Indiana to share memories and honor the beautiful, complex and complicated soul she was.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to American Cancer Society.
Her faith and her love will remain in our hearts forever.
Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.
The memorial guest book for Deborah may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.