Debra Ann "Deb" Coppinger, 72, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 12:19 p.m., following an extended illness. Though her body grew tired, her spirit—rooted firmly in her Christian faith—remained strong and unshaken until her final breath.

Deb was born on March 5, 1953, in Elkhart to the late Ted and Mary (Lee) Clark. On Valentine's Day in 1976, she married the love of her life, Garry Lee Coppinger, in Elkhart. Their nearly 50 years of marriage were filled with devotion, partnership, and the steady comfort of knowing that whatever life brought, they faced it together. Garry preceded her in death in 2024, and the family rejoices in knowing that their reunion is now complete. In addition to her parents and Garry, Deb is also reunited with two infant children, her grandson Nickolas Nelson, and her brother Steve Clark.

Those who remain to cherish her memory are her daughters, Michelle (Brett) Buehrer of Angola, Indiana, and Kacey Coppinger of Elkhart; her brothers Dave (Darlene) Clark of Elkhart and Jim (Holly) Clark of Cassopolis, Michigan; her sister Brenda (R. "Hoss") Williams of Elkhart; her grandchildren Brittany (Chris Gibson) Nelson, Tyler (Nashley) Grathen, Lindsay (Joe) Sevits, Kaila Hashberger, Kaleb Hashberger, and Levi (Jaimi Cochran) Buehrer; and her great-grandchildren Eligh, Noah, Cooper, and Arbor, who brought her immeasurable joy. She also leaves behind a loving extended family and dear friends, including Chris Grathen and Judy Clark, who walked beside her through many seasons of life.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place, with a memorial service held at a later time. Until then, her family will lovingly bring her home. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart has been entrusted with her care.

Deb worked for many years managing a property preservation service in Elkhart. After retiring, she discovered that staying still wasn't in her nature, and she returned to the workforce, this time in housekeeping at Tread-It Tires, where she loved working dearly. Even when her health required her to finally step away for good, she did so with the same determination and grace that marked all her life's work.

Though her professional life mattered, Deb's heart always belonged to her home and her family. Her house was her sanctuary, and she poured herself into making it warm, welcoming, and beautifully kept. She was a gifted cook and an exceptional baker, known especially for transforming Christmas time into a season so magical that her grandchildren often said her home looked like a "Hallmark Holiday Movie." Whether she was baking her famous strawberry shortcake, hanging garland, or preparing feasts, she did it with love and a desire to create memories that would last long after each celebration faded.

Deb loved traveling, especially to Tybee Island and Savannah, Georgia, as well as visiting family in the McMinnville, Tennessee area. She enjoyed shopping, crafting, and keeping her hands busy with projects around the house. But nothing brought a brighter spark to her life than watching her grandchildren's school programs and sporting events, which she attended regularly. She celebrated their accomplishments with genuine pride and joy.

Above all, Deb was a woman of deep and steadfast Christian faith. Her relationship with God was her anchor—quiet, sincere, and unwavering. Even in the hardest seasons of illness, her faith never faltered. She often reminded her family that "she was a winner either way," trusting fully that whether God granted her more time on this earth or called her home, she was held safely in His hands.

Deb's life was one of devotion—devotion to her family, to her work, to her home, and most of all, to her Savior. Her strength, her kindness, her humor, and her faith will live on in all who had the blessing of loving her.