Deborah Westbrook, 71, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born on January 6, 1955 in Indiana. She went home to be with the Lord on July 12, 2026. She was a Southern Baptist and believed in Jesus Christ as her Savior. Her faith remained an important part of her life. She was honored to receive the Christian Woman of the Year award at The First Baptist Church in Eaton, Ohio, recognizing her faith, kindness, and the way she served and cared for others.

Debbie will be remembered for her quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and her ability to make a friend anywhere she went. She had a special gift for making people laugh and feel welcome, creating meaningful connections with everyone she met. Her kindness, generosity, and humorous spirit left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

One of Debbie’s greatest passions in life was cooking for others. She found great joy in preparing meals for friends and family, sharing not only her recipes but also her love through every dish she made. She created a recipe book as a lasting “legacy” for her church, family, and friends, preserving the memories that meant so much to her.

Debbie had several dogs she loved and cared for throughout the years. She had a special bond with ChiChi and Cricket.

Debbie worked for many years at BellSouth. Through her IT work, she enjoyed helping family and friends navigate their computers and always had a way of making technology feel a little less intimidating.

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Melissa Ritchie and Kelly Ritchie; grandsons, Jason Ritchie and Jacob Ritchie; great-granddaughter, Kay’lea; parents, Melba Holmes and Harry Holmes; and brothers, Gary Holmes and Ronnie Holmes.

Debbie leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Holly (James) Lunsford; grandchildren: Debbie, Casey, Chelsea, Rainy, Craig, and Hayden; sisters, Karen Brandel, Dinah Dennen, and Tracy Carter; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, along with many friends who became like family.

Debbie’s legacy will live on through the love she shared, the meals she prepared, the laughter she brought, and the faith she carried throughout her life. Her family finds comfort knowing she is now in Heaven, reunited with loved ones who went before her and surrounded by the peace and love of her Lord and Savior.

One Last Gift from Debbie: Her Famous Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 whole *hicken
• 8 cups water
• 5 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup flour mixed with ½ cup cold water
• 2 cups Bisquick
• ⅔ cup whole milk

Directions

1. Simmer *hicken, water, bouillon cubes, salt, and pepper for 1½ hours.
2. Remove *hicken, shred the meat, and discard the skin and bones.
3. Whisk flour with cold water, stir into the simmering broth, and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Mix Bisquick and milk together just until combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the broth. Cover and cook for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
6. Uncover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Stir *hicken back into the pot, heat through, and serve.

In true Debbie fashion, we disguised one ingredient in her recipe, ensuring that "her" *hicken and dumplings would always remain the best. Her family will forever treasure this recipe, as we hope you will too.