Deborah Leigh (Lane) Vanzant, 62, of New Paris, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 9, 2015. Debbie was born on September 18, 1953 to the late James and Lois Lane.
Debbie is survived by her husband, Steve Vanzant; four children, Ben (and Rachel) Armentrout of Pensacola Florida, Kelly (and Ben) Woodall of Rome Georgia, Shane Vanzant of New Paris, Ohio and Jacob (and Megan) Fisher of New Paris Ohio; grandchildren, Chelsea and Chris Armentrout, Izzy and Harrison Woodall, and Autumn Fisher; two sisters, Cindy (and Michael) Boles, and Jamie (and Randy) George; a mother-in-law, Hazel Vanzant; a sister-in-law, Joanele (and Charlie) Hoce, and their families.
Debbie loved Jesus most of all in her life. She loved all He created - every crazy stray animal that stepped foot on their farm was almost instantly taken in and loved, and there were many!
Debbie loved nature - traveling to see it, walking in it, and found pure joy in a beautiful sunset or sunrise. Gazing at the stars at night with her children and grandchildren made her so happy. She never took for granted the beauty God gave us in this world. She loved farming and living on the farm. Debbie had a green thumb and knew how to make everything she touched beautiful. She loved her family extravagantly, and all her children and grandchildren thought they were her “favorite”.
Debbie was part of the Bible Study Fellowship in Richmond, Indiana. It was a gift to her to study God’s word with her friends. Debbie worked for the USDA’s Farm Service Agency for 25 plus years. She loved her co-workers, and all the farmers she was privileged to serve. Debbie served on numerous boards over the years, and taught Sunday School frequently. She enjoyed serving her community.
Debbie loved well - it was her gift to this world. She had a “smile ministry” which is her legacy. It’s simple - smile at people wherever you go, showing love to others even when you might not feel like it. She would say “you just never know what people are going through, or how you will impact them with a simple smile.” Her motto was to “kill them with kindness” Romans 12:20. Debbie blessed this earth for 62 years, and her legacy will live on in the people that loved her deeply.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Christ United Church in Richmond, Indiana. The family will receive guests and friends on Friday, November 13th from 4-8 PM also at the church. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Breast Cancer and Novel Therapies, James Office of Development, P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, Ohio 43218 in honor of Debbie with donations being accepted at the services.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.braundpope.com. Services entrusted to Braund Pope Funeral Home in New Madison.
