Debra J. Freed, 62, Nappanee, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, from natural causes at her daughter’s residence. She had been in ill health for an extended period of time.

She was born Feb. 26, 1953, in South Bend, and has lived in Nappanee since 1975. She worked at the Elkhart Truth as a District Manager for many years. Debra enjoyed sewing, quilting, cross-stitching, and crocheting. She loved to paint when she was younger, and was very crafty. She also loved to travel, especially going on cruises.

She married Gregory K. Freed on Sept. 6, 1975, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 26,  2006. Surviving her are children: Brooke (Ron) Carrell, Anderson; Stephanie (Bryon) Jones; Kent (Ashlie) Freed II; and Drew (Tracy) Freed, all of Nappanee; 11 grandchildren; mother-in-law: Norma Freed, Nappanee; brother: David (Ellen) Staton, Plymouth; and sisters: Laura England, Bremen; and Donna (Mel) Hawkins, Zephyrhills, Fla. She was preceded in death by her husband; mother: Mary Ann (Baer) Penrose; and father: Roy Penrose.

Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, and an hour prior to the 10 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Rev. Greg Krump will officiate, and burial will follow at Bremen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Yellow Creek Lake Ministries, Claypool.