Debra S Arnold

In Loving Memory of Debra S. Arnold

Debra S. Arnold, 69, passed away at home October 26, 2024. She was being cared for by her loving grandson Greg and husband Nick. Debbie was born August 5, 1955, in Burbank California. The family moved to Indiana at the beginning of Debbie’s school years. Debbie married the love of her life James (Nick) Arnold on April 4, 1981.

Debbie was a loving wife of 43 years and a beloved mother to sons Daniel (50), Adam (53) and daughter Amanda (52). Grandmother to Greg, Ellie, Colton, Evie, Gia, Jameson, Malori, Eliana, and Thaddeus. Debbie’s parents Lorraine and Roy Berry, sisters Dixie and Patricia precede her in death. Survivors include brother Edward Berry, nieces Kelly and Sherry and Nephews Jimmy and Paul.

Debbie graduated from Washington High School. Early on Debbie was a processor at Blue Cross Blue Shield for 18 years where she worked her way up in her career from a processor to the swat team. Later with husband Nick she owned and managed Champions restaurant and bar in Speedway and Olivers restaurant.

Debbie was involved with Eagledale Little League where her husband coached, and their three children played baseball and softball. Debbie was elected first woman President of Eagledale Little League where she served over 800 members for 2 years. Debbie was also the very first woman Director of Umpires, a position she held for five years. Debbie was an avid animal lover and supported the ASPCA for years.

Debbie was the heart of our family. She was a genuine person, extremely kind, generous, compassionate, determined, resilient and above all selfless. Debbie was supportive and encouraging, caring for anyone around her who needed help. She was empathetic and fearlessly stood up for the underdog and what was right.

Debbie had a happy, fun and optimistic attitude that drew people to her. Debbie saw & brought out the very best in those around her. Debbie was a very unique and dynamic person. Debbie’s sense of humor, laughter and presence made the room light up and made her the life of the party. Debbie had an outstanding quality where she always made you feel like the most important and special person in the room- astonishingly she even accomplished this at the very end of her life. No matter how badly she felt, she happily accepted visitors and never focused on herself. Debbie courageously chose to battle cancer without hospice help instead leaning on her hope, trust and faith in Jesus Christ.

Debbie asked Jesus to hold her hand and get her through the pain. Debbie explained that if she held Jesus’s hand, she may let go but she knew Jesus would never let go of her. Debbie’s character embodies an outstanding, beautiful human being and a “true Christian”. Debbie put others before herself, forgave, had humility, and lived her life in a way that is truly inspiring. Heaven is celebrating her arrival. She will always be honored, cherished, missed and fondly remembered by her many friends and loving family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Flanner Buchanan - Floral Park. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, beginning at 10am at Flanner Buchanan - Floral Park. Debbie will be laid to rest in Floral Park Cemetery following the funeral service.