Debra Sue

Catron

Some lives are simply too beautiful to capture in words, and some people leave behind a love so profound that a lifetime never feels long enough.

Debra Sue “Debbie” (Spoon) Catron, 71, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, countless lives touched, and a legacy of unconditional love.

Debbie was born on August 26, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Carrole Frances Spoon and Gladys Sadie (Minor) Spoon. As a young child, she moved with her family to their farm in Lucas County, where she grew up surrounded by the simple joys of country living. She attended school in the Milo and Liberty Center areas, graduating from Southeast Warren High School in 1973.

On February 23, 1974, Debbie married Steve Catron, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span more than 52 years. Through life's joys, challenges, laughter, and countless memories, they built a life rooted in love and family. Debbie was a loving and devoted wife, a wonderful mother, and a phenomenal grandmother.

Debbie completed her degrees in nursing starting with DMACC where she received her RN and then finished her education at Grandview with her BSN. She retired after 30 plus years, the last 20 years as a County Home Health Care Nurse working in Warren County.

For more than 30 years, Debbie dedicated herself to healthcare, caring for others with compassion, kindness, and a heart that knew no bounds. For Debbie, caring for people was more than a profession; it was simply who she was. Whether tending to patients, nurturing her family, or helping a friend in need, she had a remarkable gift for making others feel loved, valued, and cared for.

Debbie had an infectious laugh, an incredible sense of humor, and a personality that could brighten even the darkest days. She was beautiful inside and out, with a heart big enough to make room for everyone. She was generous, compassionate, and always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved good music, getting lost in a book, cooking delicious meals for those she loved, and sharing stories that could have everyone laughing.

She treasured her friendships, especially the lifelong bonds she maintained with her high school friends, whom she continued to gather with monthly. She spoke of them often and with such love. Her dear best friend Laurie, held an especially treasured place in her heart. Debbie understood that true friendship was one of life's greatest blessings, and she was a wonderful friend in return.

One of Debbie's greatest joys was spending time outdoors, tending to her beautiful gardens and flower beds. She lovingly referred to gardening as her “dirt therapy,” finding peace, happiness, and a little bit of heaven with her hands in the soil and sunshine on her face.

And oh, how she loved her birds! From her beloved hummingbirds and orioles to every feathered visitor that found its way into her yard, Debbie made sure they were all welcomed and well-fed. With hummingbird feeders, bird feeders, and bird baths seemingly everywhere, her family often joked that she must have owned stock in bird feed! She found so much happiness in watching them and appreciating the simple beauty of nature.

Her gardens were more than flowers, and her love of birds was more than a hobby. They were reflections of her beautiful heart. Debbie had a way of nurturing everything around her, whether it had roots, wings, or a heartbeat.

But above all else, Debbie's greatest pride and joy was her family.

She was a loving wife to Steve, a devoted mother to her three daughters, Andrea, Amanda, and Amy, and an extraordinary grandmother to her four beloved grandchildren, Ricky (Halle), Hunter, Amaya, and Aaliyah as well as her five adored great-grandchildren.

She was so much more than a mother and grandmother. She was a best friend, a trusted advisor, a listening ear, a comforting embrace, and the biggest cheerleader for those she loved. She celebrated their victories, helped carry them through life's difficult moments, and loved them with every fiber of her being.

To her daughters, she was their first home, their guiding light, their constant supporter, and one of life's greatest blessings. To her grandchildren, she was a phenomenal grandma whose laughter, love, and presence created memories they will carry forever.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband of more than 52 years, Steve Catron; two daughters, Amanda Catron and Amy (Brad) Catron-Smith; four cherished grandchildren, Ricky (Halle) Jewell and Hunter Williams, sons of Amanda, and Amaya and Aaliyah Tieszen, daughters of Amy; along with her great-grandchildren; sisters; Janice (Niles) Hull and Carolyn Dorrian; brother, Steve (Pam) Spoon as-well-as many extended family, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Andrea; and her parents.

Although the hearts she leaves behind are broken, Debbie's family finds comfort in knowing that a love as extraordinary as hers does not end. It lives on in every memory shared, every story retold, every recipe passed down, every flower that blooms, every hummingbird that visits, and every act of kindness inspired by her beautiful spirit.

How do you say goodbye to someone who has been such an important part of every chapter of your life? How do you imagine walking through a door and no longer seeing her beautiful face, hearing that unforgettable laugh, or feeling the warmth of her embrace?

The truth is, you never really say goodbye to a love like that. You carry it with you, always.

And while the days ahead may feel impossibly long without her, her family holds tightly to their faith and the promise of a beautiful reunion in heaven. They take comfort in believing that when their own earthly journeys are complete, Debbie will be the first one waiting at heaven's gates, with that familiar smile, her wonderful laugh, and arms wide open.

Until that glorious day, her love will remain woven into the lives of everyone she touched.

She spent her life caring for others, loving fiercely, laughing wholeheartedly, and making the world a little more beautiful simply by being in it.

And oh, what a beautiful difference she made.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2026 at the Indianola First Assembly of God Church. The family will greet friends prior to services from 1 to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials in memory of Debbie may be given to the American Lung Cancer Society or St Jude Children’s Hospital. To sign an online condolence, visit our website at www.overtonfunerals.com.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Never forgotten.

Until we meet again!