Deborah Ann “Debbie” Arning, 68, of Walnut Hill passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana with her family being a constant comfort.
She was born on March 15, 1954, the daughter of Roger and Barbara (Hussmann) Hill in Centralia. She married the love of her life, Ray Arning Jr. on November 29, 1975, at St. Peters Church, in Centralia, IL and he survives in Walnut Hill.
Along with her devoted husband of 47 years, Ray Arning Jr., Debbie is survived by her beloved family, the light of her life, her children, Aaron Arning (Lisa Clark) of Walnut Hill, and Jennifer “Jenni” Arning (Aaron Norris) of Troy; her sister, Laura K. (Matt) Wilbur of Newport News, Virginia; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Karli Grace, Dale Arning (Dana Chapman), Neil (Linda) Arning; family friends Joanetta Wood, and Brandon DePew; several nieces, nephews, many great friends and extended family that will miss her dearly.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Barbara Hill; her brother, David Hill; and her close friend, Ruth Hawkins.
Debbie graduated with an accounting degree and worked as an administrator for Mt. Vernon’s Downtown Development Corporation, where she brought fresh insight and determination for a job well done. She had a knack for numbers, also working recently as an accountant at Rollinson Home Center in Salem, IL. Debbie had a heart of gold, who supported those less fortunate, serving as a secretary on the board ofUnited Way of South Central IL, changing the lives of many grateful children. She kept close relationships with all her family, hosting wonderful get-togethers for every holiday. Debbie loved to cook for her family and friends, who never went away hungry when enjoying her delicious meals. She made the best of her time spent outdoors, appreciating the beauty of nature while horseback riding. Vacations to Playa del Carmen, the island of CocoCay, and Cozumel, found Debbie soaking in the sunshine on the beach and making treasured memories with those she loved. Being a true sun worshipper, she found time in and by the swimming pool to be relaxation therapy. She was a former member of the Light and Lens Club. Debbie had an eye for beauty and was talented at bringing that beauty to life through the lens of her camera. She appreciated the simple things in life, watching her hummingbirds, doting on her golden retrievers and cats, loving on her children and their pets, and hanging out at home with her beloved husband, Ray. Debbie will forever be remembered for her warm, friendly way, her contagious smile, her fierce love for her husband, son, and daughter, and her gentle spirit.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Monte Jo Clark officiating with Kingdom Seed Ministries. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in rural Sandoval. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time with Debbie’s family from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2023, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia as well as Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. till the time of service. Memorials may be made in Debbie’s honor to the United Way of South Central IL or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences and memories of Debbie may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhoems.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
