Deborah S. Darnell

Deborah Sue (Stonerock) Darnell, 60, of Dublin, Ohio passed away peacefully at home on August 18, 2011. She is survived by her beloved husband of 22 years, Richard “Dale” Darnell, aunts Linda (Don) Harden and Mary Ellen Reid Radcliff of Circleville, Ohio; endearing daughter, Beth Darnell; numerous cousins; and many special friends. Debbie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Albert C. and Nina B. Reid; mother, Loretta “Jane” Stonerock; aunts, Gloria Watkins and Biddy Moorehead, also of Circleville; as well as her cocker spaniels, Duffy and Darby. Debbie, a graduate of Circleville High School, was the only child of Jane Stonerock, Debbie’s consummate role model. She instilled in Debbie the highest standards and humanitarian values that became her way of life. Debbie will be laid to rest next to her mother, Jane, in Circleville, Ohio.

Debbie enjoyed her successful career with The Limited Stores for 19 years where she worked with contemporaries who helped to shape her life, and remained true and lifelong friends.

Debbie was always passionate about helping her four-legged friends, the dogs. She maintained an active involvement with the Columbus Dog Connection. She served tirelessly as a board member, inspired others, and provided creative energy to this organization in which she so strongly believed.

Debbie volunteered at the Stoneridge Medical Center location of The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute for five years. She emphathized with and encouraged those who received chemotherapy and added brightness to their day.

An avid sports fan in general, Debbie had an insatiable appetite for OSU football. Her loyalty to the Buckeyes was unwavering and her enthusiasm boundless.

She cherished her eclectic and exotic travels with Dale, experiencing the beauty and splendor of cities both far and near. Debbie always had her camera ready to capture the memories of every event and gathering and shared them enthusiastically with family and friends. She possessed a unique ability to make friends, nurture them, maintain them and share them. She truly led the “Cosmopolitan” life.

Always the lady, she inspired others in limitless ways and led by example. Admired for her courage, determination and her constant smile, Debbie led her life with grace, dignity and generosity, for which she will always be remembered.

Debbie wanted everyone to know that because of the love from Dale, her family and friends, she gained enormous strength to deal with this disease and lived a joyful life, never letting cancer stand in her way since her 1987 diagnosis.

A special thank you from the Darnells to Debbie’s Doctors, Charles Shapiro, Theodore Teknos, Michael Caligiuri and David Schuller at The James Cancer Hospital and also to Dr. R. Randall Ogg, her periodontist, as well as each caring person on her medical teams. Also a special thank you to Home Reach Hospice, Ohio Health, for their kindness, gentle care, and guidance.

Debbie’s life will be celebrated at The Westin Columbus (formerly The Great Southern Hotel) 310 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215 on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Debbie Darnell to The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, 660 Ackerman Road, P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, OH 43218-3112. All donations will go to Dr. Shapiro and his research team per Debbie’s request. DEFENBAUGH-WISE-SCHOEDINGER FUNERAL HOME, CIRCLEVILLE, is honored to serve the Darnell family. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a memory of Debbie.