COSHOCTON- Debra Lynn "Debbie" Porteus, 55, of 17293 SR 83, passed away Monday, Aug. 9, 2010 at her home.
She was born April 27, 1955 in Coshocton to Harold Eugene and Irene Alice (Mani) Croft. She was a 1973 graduate of River View High School, and a 1975 graduate of the Muskingum Area Technical College. She began employment as the personal secretary for Charles Edmund, president of First National Bank of Coshocton. For the past 22 years, she has had office administration and accounting responsibilities for the office of Robert D. Mauch, CPA.
She married Brent R. Porteus on Aug. 28, 1976, and became a supporting member in the family's agricultural business, as well as a facilitating supporter and active participant in their various community and agricultural organization involvements. Debbie often shared her gift for giving, valued deeply the friendships and relationships she developed personally and through Brent's activities, and she provided inspiration and support for many through the manner in which she fought and handled her 13 year challenge with breast cancer.
She is survived by her husband, Brent R. Porteus of Coshocton, two daughters; Amy L. Porteus and Beth A. Porteus, both of Coshocton, her mother, Irene A. Croft of Coshocton, two brothers; Steve (Patrice) Croft of Coshocton, and Doug Croft of Amelia, her sister, Jill Helbling of Coshocton, her aunt, Helen Troyer of Millersburg, her uncle, Carl Mani of Sugarcreek, her father-in-law, L. Blair Porteus of Coshocton, two brothers-in-law; Knox (Beccy) Porteus of Coshocton, and Neal (Ruth) Porteus of Worthington, eight nephews; Tyler Croft, Matthew, Marc & Josh Helbling, Tanner Croft, Brian and Bill Porteus, and Luke Porteus, and three nieces; Lauren & Carly Porteus, and Liz Porteus.
She is preceded in death by her father, Harold E. Croft, and her mother-in-law, Janette Porteus.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 2010 at the Coshocton Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Jonathan T. Carlisle officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Cemetery. Calling hours are from 1-3 & 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12th at the Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw, who are handling arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the Coshocton Presbyterian Church, 142 N. 4th St., Coshocton, OH 43812, Hospice, Health Services of Coshocton, P.O. Box 1284, Coshocton, OH 43812, or to the Animals for Life Foundation of the Ohio Farm Bureau, 280 North High St., 6th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.
