Deborah B. Howell

Deborah (Debbie) Brashaber Howell, 69, of Indianapolis passed away on August 17, 2022 at her home. She was born on January 12, 1953 in Bloomington, Indiana, the daughter of Kenneth Brashaber and the late Catherine (Katie) Wright Brashaber. Debbie, a 1971 graduate of Rushville Consolidated High School, Rushville, Indiana participated in many school activities including serving as the editor-in-chief of The Rushlite newspaper and was a member of the Lionettes dance team. She was a 10-year 4-H member receiving awards to travel to Chicago and Washington, D.C.; a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, and Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF). Debbie also enjoyed working part-time at the Durbin Hotel, Rushville as a Durbin Dolly. She received her B.S. degree in Consumer & Family Science Education from Purdue University and taught briefly after graduation. While at Purdue, she lived at Glenwood Cooperative where she was a member and officer. Debbie was married in 1976 to Wayne Howell, they later divorced. While living in New Jersey for a few years she helped host contestants in the Miss America Pageant and thoroughly enjoyed those experiences. She also worked for Aero Drapery as a decorator/sales person. Later she earned her Masters of Library Science from Indiana University and worked as a corporate librarian at AUL, as an elementary school librarian, and for the Hancock County Library where she also drove the Tech Mobile. She was also a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. She loved to read and enjoyed being part of her community book group. She was also a wonderful cook and enjoyed sharing favorite recipes. Debbie will be missed by the family she leaves behind, her daughter, Ashley Howell, Noblesville, father, Kenneth Brashaber, Rushville, sister, Susan (Terry) Barnett, Lebanon, brother, Phil (Karen) Brashaber, Rushville and nieces and nephews, Meredith, Chase, Keith, Julie and James. Family and friends will gather Saturday, August 27th at Moster Mortuary, 334 N Main St., Rushville, Indiana for visitation from 11:00am to 1:30pm with a service following at 1:30pm. She will be laid to rest at East Hill Cemetery in Rushville. Memorial donations may be made to a library of the donor’s choice, or Indiana 4-H Foundation. P.O. Box 3125, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or online at: in4h.org or the Rush County Community Foundation – Katie Brashaber Continuing Education Scholarship.

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Deborah B. Howell

January 12, 1953 - August 17, 2022