Deborah L. Essig

Deborah Louise Essig, 67, of Muncie, Indiana (formerly Indianapolis, IN) passed away peacefully at Ball Memorial Hospital on September 19, 2021. She is preceded in death by her parents Verlon and Barbara Essig. She is survived by her siblings – Cindy Essig of Indianapolis; Cheryl (John) Schopmeyer of Bowling Green, Indiana; Dede Lane of Kennesaw, GA; and Scott Essig of Indianapolis; Nieces – Amanda and Madison Schopmeyer; Kristin, Kelli, and Kacie Lane; Nephew – Mitch Schopmeyer.

Debbie was a Majority Member of Bethel 67 of International Order of Job’s Daughters. She loved being in the choir and always sang her heart away at the meetings. She attended Special Ed classes at Grassy Creek, Creston Jr. High, and Warren Central, then moved with her parents to Florida in 1986. She returned to Indiana in 2009. She lived in several group homes in Florida and Indiana, then finally settled in at Brookside Care Strategies in Muncie in 2014, where she was truly loved and cared for by wonderful staff. She loved playing bingo, participating in group activities, and sing-alongs, especially when songs were by Elvis. She was a huge Elvis fan!

Debbie loved watching the Colts games and old shows, like Andy Griffith, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and she always remembered the characters’ names, even when we could not. Debbie always looked forward to going on weekly outings from the nursing home and was definitely a social butterfly while she was out. Everyone who knew her will miss her child-like faith and enthusiasm for life.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Debbie’s memory may be made to Special Olympics or a charity of your choice.

Graveside services are scheduled for Friday, October 22, 2021 at 11:00am at Washington Park North Cemetery. If you plan to attend the service, please gather at the office at 10:30am.