Reverend Debra "Debbie" A. Holder

Debbie is survived by her loving husband Donald Beebe, stepchildren Jason Beebe (Amy) , Lisa Ater (Aaron); siblings Mike (Norma), David (Nancy), Cindy Blankenship (Chris); grandchildren Charlotte and Harrison; nieces and nephews Justin Holder, Jordan Holder, Kristina Sketch, Chris Holder, Rachel Blankenship, and Andy Blankenship; great nieces Scarlett Holder and Maisie Blankenship; along with aunts, uncles, and other family members. She is proceeded in death by her father Jim and mother Bea.

Debbie often spoke of the great joy of having grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great nieces all to be loved and cherished, even without having children of her own. They have all been a joy in her life.

Debbie graduated from Princeton High School in 1970 and went on to Miami University and studied computer sciences. Her first career was programming for Hamilton Tool and Die.

She then answered that very persistent call to ministry and attended United Theological Seminary earning two masters degrees, one in Christian education and the other in theological studies.

Debbie first served as a deacon and worked at the Findlay district office of the United Methodist Church, and with the preschool at Wesley United Methodist Church in Fostoria, Ohio. She speaks of some of her most joyful hours sharing chapel with the children there.

Debbie, known to many as Tigger, became aware that her call was to word and sacrament and Debbie was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1998. Debbie often talked about the amazing year of 1998 ordination and marrying Donald, the love of her life, at Wesley United Methodist Church.

Now as an elder she accepted an appointment to Calvary UMC in Benton Ridge, Ohio. Debbie and Don lived in Findlay, Ohio until the year 2000 when Debbie made the move to Northwest United Methodist Church in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Debbie talks about this appointment as the jewel of her ministry. Debbie then moved on to St. Andrew UMC in Beavercreek, Ohio and retired from appointed ministry from St. James UMC in Miamisburg, Ohio.

But Debbie's work in ministry was far from over and she worked tirelessly and joyfully as a "celebrant" creating celebration of life services for many, many families at Gebhart-Schmidt-Parramore and Tobias Funeral Homes in the Dayton area.

Roller coasters, downhill skiing, and beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast have been important to Debbie. Additionally, traveling to the holy lands, along Paul's fourth missionary root, visiting Hawaii, snowmobiling to the Continental Divide under a beautiful Colorado blue sky and many areas of our country have enriched Debbie's wonder and excitement about God's diversity. Diversity in people, culture, and natural creation. Dear God bind us together in your all-encompassing love.

We request all of Debbie’s friends and loved ones to join us in celebrating her beautiful life at Tobias Funeral Home, Far Hills Chapel, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 2pm. Visitation from 12pm until the time of service Tuesday at the funeral home.

NO FLOWERS, PLEASE. The family requests that donations be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, www.glioblastomafoundation.org, Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, www.hospiceofdayton.org, or simply spending quality time with loved ones riding roller coasters and enjoying God’s natural creation in her memory.

Rev. Deb would tell us all to remember our baptism. And Tigger Deb would tell us "Ta Ta For Now"