Sauk Valley

Deborah M. Mitchem

ROCK FALLS – Deborah M. Mitchem, 73, of Rock Falls, died peacefully Wednesday evening, June 27, 2018, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, surrounded by her children.

Deb was born Jan. 6, 1945, in Mercer County, West Virginia, to Maynard and Rosa (Spencer) O’Dell. She married Jimmy Mitchem on April 26, 1963, in Virginia. He preceded her in death on Jan. 13, 2007. Deb worked at Wahl Clipper for 13 years.

Those surviving include her daughter, Lori (Tom Martin) Pauley of Milan; two sons, Doug (Angie DeAvila) Mitchem of Rock Falls and Scott (Kelly) Mitchem of Sterling; a sister-in-law, Helen Mitchem of Rock Falls; eight grandchildren, Matt (Mallory Bellows) Arduini, Chad (Bree Sharp) Mitchem, Nikki (Neil Youman) Mitchem, Paige (Cade Coursey) Mitchem, Logan (Ruby Trujillo) Staples, Cameron Staples, Kaite Taylor and Abbey (Mike) Beasley; and six great-grandchildren, Jocelyn Mitchem, Mya Bicket, Violet Bicket, Ethan Arduini, Jaxon Arduini and Gannon Bystry. She also is survived by several nieces and nephews, which include two special nieces from Florida, Tammy (Mark) Naftzger and Jeannie (Brad) Griffin.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; a sister-in-law, Macie Dooley; and a great-grandchild, Adelyn Arduini.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m., and the funeral at 10 a.m. Saturday at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls, with Dalmus Meeks, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.

A memorial has been established.

Visit mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.