Debra K. Stahl-Leverton

MELROSE - Debra K. Stahl-Leverton, age 72, loving mother to four daughters, and wife to husband James “Jim” Leverton, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Deb was born on March 26, 1953, in Paulding County, Ohio and grew up surrounded by her large family. She had 5 other siblings and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. Deb was such a loving and caring person, always giving her time to others.

She had a special love for animals and would take care of any stray she found. Her Grandmother taught her how to sew as a child, and she found a life-long hobby of sewing and quilting. A love that she passed on to her youngest daughter. Spending time with family was very important to her. Late night coffee talks around the kitchen table, regular midnight facetime sessions with her middle daughter, visits with her twin daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Holidays, birthday parties, weddings, and sport activities, she always tried her best to be there. Before her illness, Deb loved and enjoyed working as a health aid, caring for the elderly. She had such love and compassion to care for their needs and went above and beyond helping so many residents in nursing care. You could often find her on her days off bringing them snacks, clothes, and little items they wanted. She never asked for anything in return.

She is survived by her husband James Leverton; daughters: Michelle (Bill) Pessefall-Siefker of Roselm, OH, Ramona (Todd Breisch) Pessefall of Van Wert, OH, Dawn (Mike) Messer-McKinney of Springboro, OH, and Lonnie (Corey) Messer-Pease of Van Wert, OH; nine Grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; five step-children: Rebecca Smelko of Kent, Jimmy Leverton of Chesterville, Ohio, Tracy Shilts of Paulding, Ohio, Terri Motycka of Convoy, Ohio, and Edward Leverton of New Braunfels, Texas; ten step-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; brothers: Joe Stahl (Brenda) of Grover Hill, OH, James Stahl (Cheryl) of Oakwood, OH, Thomas Stahl of New Haven, Ind.

She is preceded in death by her father: George E. Stahl and mother: Ramona F. (Place) Stahl; sister: Dianna F. (George) Clemens; brother: Tim (Teresa) Stahl; stepdaughters: Crista R. Mohr and Tina M. Mohr.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10am-12pm. Funeral service will immediately follow visitation at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Oakwood. A graveside service will follow at Little Auglaize Cemetery, Melrose, OH.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be graciously accepted by family for expenses.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com