Deborah ‘Debbie’ Kelly

TYLER, Texas – Deborah “Debbie” Kelly, 81, of Tyler, Texas, formerly of East Liverpool, passed away Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Debbie was born in Sidney, Ohio on Dec. 3, 1943, daughter of the late Charles and Helen E. (Hoff) Ashbaugh. She was a graduate of Beaver Local High School Class of 1960 and Miami University (Ohio) where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Debbie worked as a schoolteacher and as a tax preparer for HR Block in New Brighton.

Debbie was known as a loving mother and wife. She was especially known for her impressive intelligence and boundless curiosity. She was a gifted student and life-long learner, with broad-ranging hobbies and interests, including gardening, mathematics, and genealogy. She dedicated her life to learning and to creating a warm and loving home for her husband and children.

Preceding Debbie in death were her husband of 55 years, whom she married Aug. 3, 1963, Nelson E. Kelly; and daughter Elizabeth “Betsy” Kelly in 1979.

Surviving are her three children, Kathleen Kelly Barnes and husband Gregory, James Kelly and his wife Amiko, and Meghan Kelly and her husband Dr. Zareh Khachikian; six grandchildren, Christopher Barnes (Kyle Green), Sarah Smith (Ryan), Kelsey Blematl (Erik), Jonathan Barnes (Negar), Kyuzo Kelly (Aina), Takezo Kelly; seven great-grandchildren, Grace Hutchens, Isla, Emelia and Lilian Smith, Sophia, Levi and Ian Blematle; and her brother William J. Ashbaugh.

Friends may visit Monday at the Dawson Funeral Home where the family will be present from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rev Mark Blakeley will conduct a graveside service at Riverview Cemetery at 2 p.m. Monday.

View Debbie’s memorial webpage and express condolences online at www.dawsonfuneralhome.com.

9/20/25