Deborah A. (Heltness) Poorbaugh

Deborah A. “Debby” Poorbaugh, 88, of Elkhart, died on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Hubbard Hill Estates in Elkhart.

She was born March 7, 1936, in Rochelle, IL to the late Daniel and Edna Mae (Coleman) Heltness.  She was also preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey E. Poorbaugh in 1985.

She attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison before graduating from San Diego State University in 1960, however, she always remained a lifelong prideful Badger.  Debby was an elementary schoolteacher, spending time at St. Vincent, Concord, Lincoln and Mary Daly prior to her retirement.   She was a member of Trinity on Jackson Church, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Alpha Gamma Delta sorority (Beta Chapter) as well as Tri Kappa.  Debby enjoyed golfing and playing tennis and was an avid bridge player.

Surviving is a daughter, Kristi (Matthew) Hogrebe of Goshen, a brother, Daniel J. (Elizabeth) Heltness of Greenville, South Carolina and two grandchildren; Megan Hughes of Goshen and Benjamin Hughes of Elkhart.

Services for Debby will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 11 am at Trinity on Jackson 2715 E. Jackson Blvd. Elkhart where visitation will begin at 10 am.  The Rev. Karen Koelsch will officiate.  Burial will be in Rice Cemetery at a later date.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions in memory of Debby may be made to Trinity on Jackson, 2715 E. Jackson Blvd. Elkhart, IN 46516 or to SouthernCare Hospice 1626 E. Day Road Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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