Debra Lynn Rechin

Debra Lynn Rechin, 65, of Carmel, Indiana, was surrounded by the love of her family when she went home to be with her Lord, peacefully ending her valiant battle with cancer on Thursday, June 15, 2023.  She was born in Hamilton, Ohio to Curtis Glen Campbell and Martha Jane (Sauerland) Campbell.

It is difficult to find the appropriate words to depict the life of this incredible friend, daughter, sister, mother, Nana, and wife.  She had a number of talents.  As a young woman, she showed little fear for trying and excelling at new activities.  Her interests led to her recognition as a champion jazz dancer, tap dancer, and the Butler County Jr. Fair Queen.  She maintained that same zest for seeking new adventures throughout her life and instilled that same confidence in her children.

Following her graduation from Ross High School in 1976, Debbie went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, from Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio.  It was there at Miami where she met Mike Rechin, the love of her life.  Their bond was immediate; and they began their journey as best friends, husband and wife, and soulmates.

After their wedding in 1982, Debbie started her successful career as a schoolteacher, where she earned a reputation for the creative methods she used to make learning fun.  Debbie and Mike moved to Cleveland, Ohio and shortly thereafter, started building their family and had three amazing children, Kyle, Emily and Courtney.

Debbie found the role she was born to fulfill:  loving wife, mother, and Nana.  Her children were the center of her life.  She and Mike spent the large majority of their time supporting their children’s various activities, from youth hockey to volleyball to soccer.  They did it all…exactly the way Debbie wanted.  Together.

Outside of her family, Debbie had developed many passions.  She had a lifelong love for the art of sewing, which she learned from her mother.  She found peace and comfort in her craft.  Her love of sewing was evident not only in the many clothes and handmade gifts she made, but also in how she led her life…by creating a golden thread which bonded her family ever tighter and made her friendships ever stronger.  Even on some of her toughest days over the last 25 months, Debbie was always thinking of how she could make another loop stronger, often sewing and donating port-pillows for the women with whom she shared cancer treatments.

She learned to play golf in her mid-30’s, and quickly fell in love with the sport, weaving the elements of competition, exercise, and friendship into a day spent in the sunshine. It made perfect sense that the activities she cherished most were designed to be enjoyed with others…from golfing with her many friends at Woodland Country Club or playing pickleball at their home in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Debbie also loved concerts, Broadway shows, girls’ trips and shopping to connect with lifelong friends and her daughters.

Mike often lovingly called her “Rudy”, and everybody knew who he was referring to.  She can best be described as a woman who’s daily “to-do list” was built around bringing joy to others.  Debbie brought her welcoming smile and gentle nature to many volunteer efforts to aid those without resources or health.  Anybody who ever met Debbie would find that the first thing they remembered about her was her positivity and cheerfulness. Debbie’s knack for creativity gave rise to several defining family traditions she led and sustained.  Those who gave witness to her life consider themselves blessed.  In her final years, she contemplated her faith, and gained an even deeper love for Jesus Christ.

Of all her many accomplishments in life, she was most proud of her family.  Debbie spent over 40 years building, loving, nurturing, and caring for them.  Her family was honored to spend the past two years nurturing and caring for her.  She will forever be missed…. until we meet her again.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She leaves behind her husband of 40 years, Michael Rechin, children Kyle (Bridget), Emily Tisdale (Benjamin) and Courtney; grandchildren Cora and June Rechin, Harrison and Christopher (deceased) Tisdale, brothers Randal and Duane (Julie) Campbell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christopher’s Corner at the Scotty Michael Foundation scottymichael.org or the Woodland Christmas Club www.woodlandcc.com

A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 14598 Oak Ridge Rd. Carmel, IN 46032, Friday, June 23 at 11am.  Everything will conclude in the church.  Online condolences may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com

The family will receive friends at a Celebration of Debbie’s Life on Friday, July 7 at Woodland Country Club from 2:30-6:30pm.