Debra Powell

Debra Lynn Powell, 63, of Mendon, Ohio, died Tuesday evening at Van Wert Health, in Van Wert, Ohio. She was born June 6, 1956, in Celina, Ohio, the daughter of the late John and Vivian Viola "Vi" (Jordan) Porch. She was a graduate of the Celina High School Class of 1974. Upon graduation, she enrolled in Wright State Lake Campus where she graduated with an Associate degree in secretarial science. On September 17, 1977, she married Michael D. Powell, who survives in Mendon. Together, Deb and Mike spent 42 years in Mendon, where they raised their children, David and Rachel, who were the joys of her life.
Debra was very active in the Mercer United Methodist Church, where she served as secretary and treasurer, head of the Missions, Sunday school and bible school teacher, and president of the church's Women's Society. Deb also babysat for 20 years, worked at New Idea and Mersman's, and was an Avon consultant for 35 years. She loved to bake, and won numerous awards at the county fair for her pies and Fudge Puddles. In her spare time, she loved to fish, and work in her garden; she won many ribbons, taking her produce to the fair. She also raised vegetable plants to sell to people in the area—she loved growing them, and she loved talking to her customers, perhaps even more! She always had suggestions on how to grow the best vegetables from her young plants. She loved watching sports—Ohio State football on television-- and she was really heavy on the grandkids, watching them play t-ball and other games. She loved those three grandchildren so much, and loved taking care of them and having them come to her house.
Surviving in addition to her husband Mike are her daughter, Rachel Powell of Van Wert, Ohio, and her son, David (Emily) Powell of Coldwater, Ohio; her three grandchildren, Zachary, Blake, and Wesley, all of Coldwater; a sister, Diane Porch of Celina, Ohio; and her mother-in-law, Lois Jean Powell, of Rockford, Ohio. Deceased in addition to her parents are an infant sister and her father-in-law, Jack Powell.
Services for Debra will be held on Monday, January 27, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mercer United Methodist Church in Mercer, with Rev. Craig Cisco officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford. Friends may call at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, Ohio, on Sunday, January 26, from 2-8 p.m., and at the church on Monday, one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to the Cancer Association of Mercer County. Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com