Deborah Ann Hastings

Deborah Ann Hastings of Gurnee, IL passed away at home on Monday, May 1, 2023 at the age of 64.  Debbie was born to Paul Frederick and Melba Maxine DeBoard (Moore) on March 26, 1959 in Hearne, TX. 

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy – John 16:22

She had a humble upbringing alongside 5 fellow siblings. In 1978, she began a 40+ year career with RR Donnelley (formerly Moore Business Forms) in Bryan, TX which led to various promotions and moving to the Dallas area and later across the country to Gurnee, IL.  Debbie held various roles with increasing responsibilities and enjoyed her work as a Senior Pricing Analyst overseeing multi-million-dollar transactions until her retirement in 2020.

Debbie loved people unconditionally, and her greatest joy in life was the family she and Bruce built and the memories they created together.  She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, and friend to many, but her absolute greatest joy was her grand babies.  Spoiling them was a must as she cherished every minute of being their Nana and Great Nana. 

On July 18, 1998, Debbie married her true love, Bruce Hastings after posting a dating article in the newspaper.  They enjoyed the Gameshow Network, popcorn, movies, hanging out at the beach and caring for their fur babies, Cricket, and Ollie.  Together, they supported a beautiful blended family: Valorie, Melissa, Nicole, Justin, and Jillian.

As a mom, she was the unwavering picture of unconditional love, strength, selflessness, faith, and perseverance.  She never gave up on us even when we gave her plenty of reason to do so – she prayed us through life’s storms. She was our rock.

As a Nana, she was giving, compassionate, nurturing, and extremely thoughtful.  She made it a priority to be present and to stay connected, even while living across the country from one another.  She was a well-known ambassador of free advice (whether you wanted to hear it or not)!  She always knew what to say, had the right guidance, endless reassurance, and the grandbabies counted on her for that.

She gave her heart to Jesus as a child and faithfully served Him throughout her life.  To know Debbie and to be a part of her life was an honor, a true blessing.  She had a kind heart and a desire to live her life to the fullest and loved making memories with family and friends.  Mom would like her legacy to simply be this: make memories, pick up the phone, take the pictures, play the games, be present, travel, sing, never let your praying knees get lazy and love like Jesus.

Debbie is preceded in death by her husband Bruce Hastings; parents Paul and Melba Maxine DeBoard; sisters Melba Jean Williams, Peggy Lehoski and granddaughter, (“her girl”) Shaunna Coleman. She is survived by a large and loving family: her children, Valorie Pullin (Jason), Melissa Van Dyke, Alisha (Nicole) Raidart (Branden), Justin and Jillian Hastings; brothers: David DeBoard (Carol), Kenneth DeBoard (Charla), Robert DeBoard; 13 grandchildren, 10 and a half great grandchildren and her four-legged baby, Ollie Hastings. Celebrating her life are also countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Debbie’s battle with serious medical issues showed her courage and tenacity in facing life’s challenges with a smile.  The void she leaves behind is immense.  While our hearts are heavy with the loss of our momma, we are overjoyed that she finally has met Jesus’ face to face, with lungs made new and no further suffering.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run ang not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint – Isaiah 40:31