Debora
Debora F. Coombs
Debbie passed away Saturday, December 11, 2021 in Grand Rapids.
She was born January 4, 1957 in Adrian, the daughter of Dewey and Verna (Brake) Farris. Debbie was an interior designer and obtained her builders license. She worked at Koopsen’s Paint and Wallpaper, Ethan Allen Furniture Gallery, Central Tile and Terrazzo, Renda Tile, The Kitchen Shop and Fieldstone Building Group.
She loved painting, art, sewing, doing crafts and baking. Debbie was a light, she could put people at ease and bring a smile to those she loved and cared for. She always seemed to know the right things to say and do. On December 30, 1977 at the Church of Nazarene in Kalamazoo, she married John Coombs who survives.
Also surviving are her children, Kristen (Brian) Barnhart of Kalamazoo, Jason Coombs of Wayland and Alyssa (Andrew Nemecek) Coombs of Wayland; 4 grandchildren, Oakley, Natalie, Paisley and Mason with another due soon; siblings, David Farris of Plainwell, Vicki (Garry) Snyder of Plainwell and Bob (Kelly) Farris of Kalamazoo along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Stephanie.
Friends may visit with Debbie’s family from 5-8 PM, Friday, December 17, 2021, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
Cremation will follow.
Contributions in memory of Debbie may be made to
Bethany Christian Services
.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Debora F. Coombs
Condolence Messages
Lori Steele
December 12, 2021 at 6:03 pm
John and family thoughts and prays for you all. Debbie was loved by many and will be missed by all her knew her.
Lori and Terry Steele
The class of 1976
Reply
Eric Smith
December 12, 2021 at 11:58 pm
Debbie and her whole family have been friends with myself and my whole family almost all our lives.
We were and are closer than close since the very early sixties.
We visited and vacationed together throughout our childhoods.
She will be dearly missed by myself and all my family and we send all our love and prayers to John & children and grand’s, Vicki, David &Bobby and all the extended family and friends.
Reply
Lori Steele
December 12, 2021 at 6:13 pm
John and family there are no words. Debbie was loved by many and will be missed. Prays for all of you.
Lori and Terry Steele
The class of 1976
Reply
Joyce Kruithoff
December 12, 2021 at 8:36 pm
Debbie was so good working with my children and so many other youth in the 1980’s at the Westwood Church of God in Kakamazoo (now known as Grace Harbor. She was a great role model my children (Jennifer, David and Jessica Clark) looked up to. Prayers for the family.
Reply
Elizabeth and Frank Bystrycki
December 12, 2021 at 9:19 pm
John and Family, Our hearts go out to you. We thought the world of Debbie and she has a heart of gold. One of the sweetest, kindest, generous, caring souls we know. We love you
Reply
Heidi Prentice
December 12, 2021 at 11:30 pm
John and family we all loved Debbie! So many Farris/Smith family good times! Debbie was always so fun and kind to all of us! We love you all and will continue to pray for comfort and peace. So glad she new the Lord and walked with him every day!
Andy and Heidi
Reply
Connie Merrill Morse
December 12, 2021 at 11:45 pm
Sending my deepest condolences to all of the family and will keep you ever so close in thought at this difficult time. Debbie’s presence will remain and she will be greatly missed by many.
Reply
Brian Arehart
December 13, 2021 at 7:15 am
So sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing.
Reply
Greg Diment
December 13, 2021 at 9:37 am
John,
So sorry to read of your wife’s passing. May her memory always be a blessing and may you be comforted by family and friends.
All best.
Reply
Elizabeth
December 13, 2021 at 10:34 am
Will be with you in prayer on this day.
Reply
Patrick Steffey
December 13, 2021 at 10:53 am
Sorry for your loss. She was also so cheerful and bubbly at all of our soccer games growing up as was the entire family.
Reply
Palmer
December 13, 2021 at 12:33 pm
We wanted to express are condolences to the family of Debbie.
We’ve known Debbie and her family for many years and yes, she her smiles were a ray of sunshine wherever she went.
We are praying for blessings as your family and your friends remember Debbie together.
Love from Lee and Beth Palmer
Reply
Deb Mason
December 13, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Deb was one of the nicest girls sver! Beautiful inside & out. Prayers for her family that they find comfort in our Lord above.
Fly high beautiful angel!
Reply
Rod & Judy Barnes
December 13, 2021 at 1:48 pm
Dear John and family,
Rod and I were so shocked/ saddened to hear about Debbie’s death Fri. She was such a friendly, positive , outgoing person who was a fast friend to all she met. We have not seen y’all in years but she and I kept in touch thru FB. As sad as her dying just think how joyous she is in Heaven. We are praying for you and your health at this time, too, John. God bless you.
Reply
Cheryl and Richard Jordan
December 13, 2021 at 2:08 pm
Dear John and family. I’m so very sorry to hear about Debbie’s passing. She was certainly a light in this world. I have so many memories of her hysterical stories, her bubbly personality and smile. I know this must be a very difficult time for you all, please know our thoughts and prayers are being sent to lift you up.
Reply
Charlie Shumaker
December 13, 2021 at 2:20 pm
John and Family
My condolences to John and families, I’m so sorry for the loss of Debbie. Prayers to all!!
Reply
Doris
December 13, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Dear John and family. Debbie was a bright light, a twinkling star, and responsible for making the whole room belly laugh at one of her many stories! She could tell a good story! She will be missed but I look forward to our grand reunion in heaven with Jesus!
I met Debbie at Huntington college! She always felt like family to me!
Love to all who feel the pain of her loss! I so understand!
Doris ( Ralph) Russell
Reply
Timothy and Judy Gates Hayes
December 13, 2021 at 4:12 pm
Prayers to the Coombs and Farris family. What an amazing person Debbie is! Our prayers are with you and your families at this time.
Reply
Rich and Dawn Ueck
December 13, 2021 at 5:52 pm
Our prayers are your family.
Reply
Jennifer Mitchell
December 13, 2021 at 6:06 pm
My condolences for the loss of such a wonderful woman.
Reply
Jessica and kids
December 13, 2021 at 6:54 pm
sending all my love and prayers
Reply
Becky (Hewitt) Nelson
December 13, 2021 at 8:22 pm
I am saddened to hear this. I have fond memories at your house when I was so young. I was convinced, John, that your name was Honey because Debbie always called you that.
Reply
Sara Stenger-Ammon
December 13, 2021 at 8:59 pm
I have so many great memories of growing up with John and Debbie in my life. Debbie was such an amazing women who I loved very much. I am so thankful for texting because we were able to do that a lot over the years. We had a bond with all of our health issues we went through and we could talk about them and each other understood. I could reach out to Debbie at 3am for prayers or to talk and she would often do the same. I will miss her very much! Everyone who knew her loved her. Sending so many prayers up for your family John. I will continue lifting you all up everyday. Know you are loved by so many and we are here for you.
Reply
Vicky Clarkson Crawford
December 13, 2021 at 9:26 pm
Thinking of the Farris and Coombs family as they whisper “see you” to Debbie. When I remember her it is with an open and kind spirit. Her glow vanquished darkness and her giggle was infectious. May you all feel her spirit lite upon you from time to time and remember her with with a desire to” pay it forward” always.
Reply
Kay Simpson
December 14, 2021 at 2:10 pm
Bob and Kelly and family,
I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. Siblings are special people and so hard to lose. I’m thinking about you and praying for you and your family in this difficult time.
Reply
First Baptist Church
December 16, 2021 at 12:52 pm
We at First Baptist Church in Plainwell are all so sorry for your loss. Words cannot take away your pain, however, Almighty God can. We love you and pray that you will cling to the knowledge that Debbie is with Jesus and fully healed. God will be with you through this. Hang on tight to His loving care. Love In Christ – Your brothers and sisters in the Lord
Reply
Larry and Anne Boley
December 16, 2021 at 1:22 pm
John,
Condolences to you and your family for your loss. Debbie was such a sweet and bubbly person.
Reply
Gregg
December 16, 2021 at 1:35 pm
John,
Please accept my Sincerest Condolences for you and your family’s loss of Debbie.
Some of my best times were when we were side-kicks for 21 years at TUC/PHA!
Sadly I will have to hoist a memorial mug from afar as this ‘bug’ ramps up again.
I hope to share a few in person with you at a later date, as we celebrate Debbie’s life.
Keeb
Reply
JEREE DRAKE
December 16, 2021 at 1:39 pm
So saddened to hear of Debbie’s passing. We were Designers together when she was with Ethan Allen. She had the most vivacious personality. Debbie was so captivating with her story telling. She brought sunshine in any room she was in. She will be missed greatly.
Reply
Judy Scherzer
December 16, 2021 at 7:34 pm
to the Coombs, Farris, and Snyder families:
I’m so sorry for your loss of Debbie. I’m remembering all of you in prayer. May the Lord give you His comfort, peace and a very real sense of His presence. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3
God bless you,
Judy Scherzer
Reply
Marilyn Noble Lamborn and Family
December 17, 2021 at 12:46 pm
I am so sorry to receive word of Debbie’s passing. I’ve known her and her families for years. She was always smiling and so upbeat. I had not seen her for along time, but would chat once and awhile and say “we’ve got to get together”, it never happened.
Our many prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time.
Reply
Andrea Michelle VandenBerg
December 21, 2021 at 6:01 pm
Dear Alyssa, I just saw your mother’s obituary in the newspaper. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing. From the time you came to Pine Street Elementary and were in my 6th grade classroom, I thought your mom was a wonderful person. She was so personable and caring about other people. No matter what she was doing, she made it a point to come in and talk to me. And I loved those conversations! Please give my condolences to your dad and the rest of your family.
Mrs. Andrea VandenBerg (now a retired school teacher)
Reply
Pamela Waterman
December 25, 2021 at 1:13 am
You all are in my heart and prayers. I just learned of the loss of Debbie. We are so sorry for your loss.
Reply
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She was born January 4, 1957 in Adrian, the daughter of Dewey and Verna (Brake) Farris. Debbie was an interior designer and obtained her builders license. She worked at Koopsen’s Paint and Wallpaper, Ethan Allen Furniture Gallery, Central Tile and Terrazzo, Renda Tile, The Kitchen Shop and Fieldstone Building Group.
She loved painting, art, sewing, doing crafts and baking. Debbie was a light, she could put people at ease and bring a smile to those she loved and cared for. She always seemed to know the right things to say and do. On December 30, 1977 at the Church of Nazarene in Kalamazoo, she married John Coombs who survives.
Also surviving are her children, Kristen (Brian) Barnhart of Kalamazoo, Jason Coombs of Wayland and Alyssa (Andrew Nemecek) Coombs of Wayland; 4 grandchildren, Oakley, Natalie, Paisley and Mason with another due soon; siblings, David Farris of Plainwell, Vicki (Garry) Snyder of Plainwell and Bob (Kelly) Farris of Kalamazoo along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Stephanie.
Friends may visit with Debbie’s family from 5-8 PM, Friday, December 17, 2021, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
Cremation will follow.
Contributions in memory of Debbie may be made to
Bethany Christian Services
.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Debora F. Coombs
Condolence Messages
Lori Steele
December 12, 2021 at 6:03 pm
John and family thoughts and prays for you all. Debbie was loved by many and will be missed by all her knew her.
Lori and Terry Steele
The class of 1976
Reply
Eric Smith
December 12, 2021 at 11:58 pm
Debbie and her whole family have been friends with myself and my whole family almost all our lives.
We were and are closer than close since the very early sixties.
We visited and vacationed together throughout our childhoods.
She will be dearly missed by myself and all my family and we send all our love and prayers to John & children and grand’s, Vicki, David &Bobby and all the extended family and friends.
Reply
Lori Steele
December 12, 2021 at 6:13 pm
John and family there are no words. Debbie was loved by many and will be missed. Prays for all of you.
Lori and Terry Steele
The class of 1976
Reply
Joyce Kruithoff
December 12, 2021 at 8:36 pm
Debbie was so good working with my children and so many other youth in the 1980’s at the Westwood Church of God in Kakamazoo (now known as Grace Harbor. She was a great role model my children (Jennifer, David and Jessica Clark) looked up to. Prayers for the family.
Reply
Elizabeth and Frank Bystrycki
December 12, 2021 at 9:19 pm
John and Family, Our hearts go out to you. We thought the world of Debbie and she has a heart of gold. One of the sweetest, kindest, generous, caring souls we know. We love you
Reply
Heidi Prentice
December 12, 2021 at 11:30 pm
John and family we all loved Debbie! So many Farris/Smith family good times! Debbie was always so fun and kind to all of us! We love you all and will continue to pray for comfort and peace. So glad she new the Lord and walked with him every day!
Andy and Heidi
Reply
Connie Merrill Morse
December 12, 2021 at 11:45 pm
Sending my deepest condolences to all of the family and will keep you ever so close in thought at this difficult time. Debbie’s presence will remain and she will be greatly missed by many.
Reply
Brian Arehart
December 13, 2021 at 7:15 am
So sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing.
Reply
Greg Diment
December 13, 2021 at 9:37 am
John,
So sorry to read of your wife’s passing. May her memory always be a blessing and may you be comforted by family and friends.
All best.
Reply
Elizabeth
December 13, 2021 at 10:34 am
Will be with you in prayer on this day.
Reply
Patrick Steffey
December 13, 2021 at 10:53 am
Sorry for your loss. She was also so cheerful and bubbly at all of our soccer games growing up as was the entire family.
Reply
Palmer
December 13, 2021 at 12:33 pm
We wanted to express are condolences to the family of Debbie.
We’ve known Debbie and her family for many years and yes, she her smiles were a ray of sunshine wherever she went.
We are praying for blessings as your family and your friends remember Debbie together.
Love from Lee and Beth Palmer
Reply
Deb Mason
December 13, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Deb was one of the nicest girls sver! Beautiful inside & out. Prayers for her family that they find comfort in our Lord above.
Fly high beautiful angel!
Reply
Rod & Judy Barnes
December 13, 2021 at 1:48 pm
Dear John and family,
Rod and I were so shocked/ saddened to hear about Debbie’s death Fri. She was such a friendly, positive , outgoing person who was a fast friend to all she met. We have not seen y’all in years but she and I kept in touch thru FB. As sad as her dying just think how joyous she is in Heaven. We are praying for you and your health at this time, too, John. God bless you.
Reply
Cheryl and Richard Jordan
December 13, 2021 at 2:08 pm
Dear John and family. I’m so very sorry to hear about Debbie’s passing. She was certainly a light in this world. I have so many memories of her hysterical stories, her bubbly personality and smile. I know this must be a very difficult time for you all, please know our thoughts and prayers are being sent to lift you up.
Reply
Charlie Shumaker
December 13, 2021 at 2:20 pm
John and Family
My condolences to John and families, I’m so sorry for the loss of Debbie. Prayers to all!!
Reply
Doris
December 13, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Dear John and family. Debbie was a bright light, a twinkling star, and responsible for making the whole room belly laugh at one of her many stories! She could tell a good story! She will be missed but I look forward to our grand reunion in heaven with Jesus!
I met Debbie at Huntington college! She always felt like family to me!
Love to all who feel the pain of her loss! I so understand!
Doris ( Ralph) Russell
Reply
Timothy and Judy Gates Hayes
December 13, 2021 at 4:12 pm
Prayers to the Coombs and Farris family. What an amazing person Debbie is! Our prayers are with you and your families at this time.
Reply
Rich and Dawn Ueck
December 13, 2021 at 5:52 pm
Our prayers are your family.
Reply
Jennifer Mitchell
December 13, 2021 at 6:06 pm
My condolences for the loss of such a wonderful woman.
Reply
Jessica and kids
December 13, 2021 at 6:54 pm
sending all my love and prayers
Reply
Becky (Hewitt) Nelson
December 13, 2021 at 8:22 pm
I am saddened to hear this. I have fond memories at your house when I was so young. I was convinced, John, that your name was Honey because Debbie always called you that.
Reply
Sara Stenger-Ammon
December 13, 2021 at 8:59 pm
I have so many great memories of growing up with John and Debbie in my life. Debbie was such an amazing women who I loved very much. I am so thankful for texting because we were able to do that a lot over the years. We had a bond with all of our health issues we went through and we could talk about them and each other understood. I could reach out to Debbie at 3am for prayers or to talk and she would often do the same. I will miss her very much! Everyone who knew her loved her. Sending so many prayers up for your family John. I will continue lifting you all up everyday. Know you are loved by so many and we are here for you.
Reply
Vicky Clarkson Crawford
December 13, 2021 at 9:26 pm
Thinking of the Farris and Coombs family as they whisper “see you” to Debbie. When I remember her it is with an open and kind spirit. Her glow vanquished darkness and her giggle was infectious. May you all feel her spirit lite upon you from time to time and remember her with with a desire to” pay it forward” always.
Reply
Kay Simpson
December 14, 2021 at 2:10 pm
Bob and Kelly and family,
I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. Siblings are special people and so hard to lose. I’m thinking about you and praying for you and your family in this difficult time.
Reply
First Baptist Church
December 16, 2021 at 12:52 pm
We at First Baptist Church in Plainwell are all so sorry for your loss. Words cannot take away your pain, however, Almighty God can. We love you and pray that you will cling to the knowledge that Debbie is with Jesus and fully healed. God will be with you through this. Hang on tight to His loving care. Love In Christ – Your brothers and sisters in the Lord
Reply
Larry and Anne Boley
December 16, 2021 at 1:22 pm
John,
Condolences to you and your family for your loss. Debbie was such a sweet and bubbly person.
Reply
Gregg
December 16, 2021 at 1:35 pm
John,
Please accept my Sincerest Condolences for you and your family’s loss of Debbie.
Some of my best times were when we were side-kicks for 21 years at TUC/PHA!
Sadly I will have to hoist a memorial mug from afar as this ‘bug’ ramps up again.
I hope to share a few in person with you at a later date, as we celebrate Debbie’s life.
Keeb
Reply
JEREE DRAKE
December 16, 2021 at 1:39 pm
So saddened to hear of Debbie’s passing. We were Designers together when she was with Ethan Allen. She had the most vivacious personality. Debbie was so captivating with her story telling. She brought sunshine in any room she was in. She will be missed greatly.
Reply
Judy Scherzer
December 16, 2021 at 7:34 pm
to the Coombs, Farris, and Snyder families:
I’m so sorry for your loss of Debbie. I’m remembering all of you in prayer. May the Lord give you His comfort, peace and a very real sense of His presence. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3
God bless you,
Judy Scherzer
Reply
Marilyn Noble Lamborn and Family
December 17, 2021 at 12:46 pm
I am so sorry to receive word of Debbie’s passing. I’ve known her and her families for years. She was always smiling and so upbeat. I had not seen her for along time, but would chat once and awhile and say “we’ve got to get together”, it never happened.
Our many prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time.
Reply
Andrea Michelle VandenBerg
December 21, 2021 at 6:01 pm
Dear Alyssa, I just saw your mother’s obituary in the newspaper. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing. From the time you came to Pine Street Elementary and were in my 6th grade classroom, I thought your mom was a wonderful person. She was so personable and caring about other people. No matter what she was doing, she made it a point to come in and talk to me. And I loved those conversations! Please give my condolences to your dad and the rest of your family.
Mrs. Andrea VandenBerg (now a retired school teacher)
Reply
Pamela Waterman
December 25, 2021 at 1:13 am
You all are in my heart and prayers. I just learned of the loss of Debbie. We are so sorry for your loss.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
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