She was born September 14, 1951 in Bloomington, IL, the first child of David C. and Shirley L. (Woith) Schulz. And first grandchildren of Otto and Mildred Denison Schulz. Debbie graduated from Bloomington High School in 1969 and attended Midstate College in Peoria, IL. She married James C. Ekstam on September 11, 1997 and moved to Kentucky. While living on a farm in Kentucky, Debbie and her husband became foster parents for many children. They also raised buffalo, cows, donkeys, horses, pigs and numerous dogs and cats. She retired from Kroger Company in 1998.
She is survived by her sisters, Dixie Schulz, Darlene Pratt and Kim Erickson; nieces and nephews, Stacey and Andrew (Serena) Erickson, Scott and Sara Pratt; and six great- nieces and five great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through East Lawn Funeral Home 1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.eastlawnmemorial.com.
