Deborah "Debbie" K. Retter

Deborah “Debbie” Kay Retter, age 71, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026. She was born on May 28, 1955, at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, to Richard and Patricia Retter.

Debbie was preceded in death by her wife, Shera Lynne Gibson; her parents, Richard and Patricia Retter; her beloved great-grandchildren, Khalil and Saint; and the many cherished animals she loved and cared for throughout the years. Anyone who knew Debbie knew that her home and heart were always open to every animal that needed love.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her granddaughter, Alisha, and great-grandsons, Kingston and Princeton; her son, Rick, and his wife, Catherine; her grandson, Brandon, and his children; her granddaughter Jordan and her children as well as her lifelong best friends, Terri and Tonya; and her faithful fur baby, Boots.

If you knew Debbie, you knew that no matter the role she played in life, she carried it with grace, dedication, and unconditional love. She was the person everyone could count on—the one who always showed up, offered a helping hand, and made others feel seen, valued, and cared for.

Her strength was unmatched, her heart was enormous, and her love knew no limits. She worked tirelessly to provide for those she loved, often putting the needs of others before her own. Through life’s joys and challenges, she remained a source of comfort, wisdom, laughter, and unwavering support.

Debbie leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and compassion that will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched. While our hearts are broken by her loss, we are forever grateful for the memories she gave us, the lessons she taught us, and the love she shared so freely.

Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will remain in every act of kindness, every family gathering, every cherished memory, and every heart she touched.

A truly wonderful woman who did it all, loved deeply, and will be missed beyond words. Her legacy will live on forever through those who were blessed to know and love her.

Rest peacefully, Papaw . Your work here is done, but your love remains with us always. Until we meet again. ❤️🕊️

Visitation will take place Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm at Newcomer North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton, Ohio 45424. A memorial service will follow starting at 6:30 pm.

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