Debra Kay Schroder, 57, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, in Pensacola, Fla. after a long courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Chapel, 25 St. John St., Pensacola, Fla.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the family home, 6076 St. Alban Road, Pensacola, Fla.

She was born July 31, 1952, in Niles, and grew up in Edwardsburg.

She graduated from Brethren Christian High School in Osceola, Ind., in 1970. After graduation, she attended Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Mo. and received a degree in elementary education.

She had a passion for teaching and served in a Christian school until deciding to homeschool her sons.

After their graduation, she served for a brief period of time with Sav-A-Life Care Center in Macon, Ga., and then as a house parent for Florida Baptist Children’s Homes.

Debbie recently relocated to Pensacola, Fla. where she was able to spend more time with two of her sons and their families. Debbie was a dedicated mother and loving wife. Her generous, unselfish nature left an impression on many and she will be dearly missed.
The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Johnson and Dr. Steven Lenga, who were Debbie’s primary physicians during much of her battle with cancer.

Debbie leaves behind a loving family and many friends including her husband, Rex Schroder, who was the love of her life and soul mate; sons, Phil (Tamara) Schroder from Warner Robins, Ga.; Adam (Rachel) Schroder from Pensacola, Fla.; and David (Grace) Schroder from Pensacola, Fla.; four grandchildren and one on the way. She is also survived by her mother, Beverly Stroup of Edwardsburg; father, Arthur Helmlinger of Edwardsburg; sisters, Diane (Mark) Britton and Dawn (Ross) Dickey; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the PCC Nursing Scholarship Fund, c/o Rex Schroder, 6076 St. Alban Rd., Pensacola, FL, 32503.