Debra Ann "Deb" Fay

Debra Ann "Deb" Fay, 57, of Elkhart, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Elkhart General Hospital at 11:30 pm following an extended illness. Her family remained with her throughout her journey.

She was born March 13, 1966 in Elkhart and was raised by her step-dad Ronald L. (Polly) Fay of Deland, Florida and her mom Sherrie M. (Fletcher) Fay, who survives her at home. She is preceded in death by her natural father Robert Craig; however, Deb’s step-mom Linda Craig survives.

She is also survived by her children Ashley (Steven Bennett) Fay and Brok Fay, both of Elkhart and Kenzie Fay who remains at home; her brother Brandon Craig of Elkhart; sisters Christina Fay and Robin Hill, both of Elkhart and Rhonda (James) Gunn of Bradenton, Florida; grandchildren Jayden, Madison, Ashton, Braden, Randall, Carter, Ethen and Athena, and great grandson Dawson who’s due in October!! She is also survived by a loving host of extended family, good friends, her faithful side-kick “Mickey” the Yorkie and an assortment of vividly beautiful tropical fish who currently cannot be reached for comment.

A memorial gathering of family and friends will take place at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 6-8 pm. In accordance to Deb’s beliefs and wishes, there will be no service following the visitation, and cremation has taken place.

Deb had been dedicated to emergency services the majority of her life and was the EMS Education Director at Elkhart General Hospital up until her illness warranted her early retirement. She had also served as an Emergency Medical Technician over the years for several area ambulance services, including the Osolo Township EMS (She even did a tour at Osolo Fire). She had a flame in her heart that burned long and bright for helping others, and never hesitated to help other area emergency services and fire departments with projects and fund raisers. She was quite a well known and respected representative in the field of emergency medicine, and had developed many friendships at Elkhart General as well.

What you may NOT have known about Deb was that she was an accomplished and talented artist, and loved to paint, create and design. As a matter of fact, she is responsible for the huge Elkhart “heart”, done in acrylic, that is on display between the Ruthmere Mansion and the First Presbyterian Church on Elkhart’s near north side. She also created huge murals and window paintings inside of EGH’s education building and even did the artwork for Concord Township Fire Department’s annual haunted house.

She was also a huge Stephen King book aficionado, a big fan of all things Disney (but especially Mickey), loved to take the grandkids fishing, and liked to get down to all of the timeless 80’s rock and dance classics! And it goes without saying that she was, without a doubt, a loving, engaged and caring mom.

Devoted, hard-working and dedicated to “the job”, Deb was highly respected and well-liked by all those in the Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement and Emergency Management Services, as decades of friendships and camaraderie forged relationships that lasted a lifetime. She was a perfect role model for generations of emergency services operators to come and will always be remembered as a quintessential caregiver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Deb’s family.

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