Deborah Jean Gaede (59) of Effingham, formerly of Phoenix, AZ

Deborah Jean Gaede, 59, of Effingham, IL, formerly of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

There will be no services held at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family.

In memory of Debbie, cards and donations for medical and funeral expenses may be sent to Ricky Gaede and will be accepted at Johnson Funeral Home, 1110 N. Fourth Street, Effingham, IL 62401. Donations may be made to Forever Young Therapeutic Ranch and Rescue.

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Deborah was born on October 21, 1958, in Phoenix, AZ, the daughter of Willis (Gene) McCorkle. She was united in marriage to Ricky Lane Gaede on May 8, 1982. In high school Debbie was involved in softball and she volunteered at local hospitals where she so enjoyed taking care of the babies with some of her best friends who have always remained close to her. Debbie could walk into a room and instantly make friends with anyone around her. She was so full of love and life and shared that with all that she came in contact with. Her smile and laugh was something that all will remember for a lifetime. Debbie worked most of her life in various positions, but all were where she could work with people. Her goal on a daily basis was to insure everyone was happy and just wanted to make sure they had a smile on their face. Debbie was also very active at Landell Elementary School where her two children, Ashley and Seth, grew up in Cypress, California. Debbie relocated around the country with her husband and children and lived in Phoenix, Arizona, Bloomington, Illinois, Tyler, Texas, Taos, New Mexico, Cypress, California, Atlanta, Georgia, Medina, Ohio, Bedford, New Hampshire, Altoona, Iowa, Novi, Michigan, and Palm Springs, California and eventually to Effingham, Illinois. Debbie had an amazing sense of fashion and was always dressed to the 9’s. Cheetah pattern was her favorite. She was also a great interior decorator and using clocks was her main focal point. She also collected Marilyn Monroe pictures, which were all over their homes. Debbie also had a romantic side and loved watching movies. Beaches, Dirty Dancing and Pretty Woman were her favorites. In addition to loving to sing and dance, she was a great animal advocate. Her passion was making sure to help with the Forever Young Therapeutic Ranch and Rescue who take care of horses in need. The one thing that Debbie would want all to remember is that she so loved her family: Ricky, Ashley, Seth and Reese. They were everything to her, and she was everything to them.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Ricky Gaede of Effingham; daughter, Ashley (Shawn) Cook of Seville, Ohio; son, Seth Gaede of Perris, CA; grandchild, Reese Gaede; and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; and sister, Susan McCorkle.