January 13, 2021 Debbie Tillman, 61

Debbie Tillman, 61
A casual gathering of friends for Deb Tillman, age 61 of Lenox who passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 in Des Moines, Iowa was held Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the Lenox Community Center from 1 to 3 PM. Memorials may be given in Deb’s name. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuenralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we ‘Celebrate Life’.
Debbie Jorene Tillman of Lenox, daughter of Frances and Ora Grace, was born September 11th 1959.  She grew up in the Clearfield area, attending Clearfield School and graduating with the class of ‘77.  Deb was a spunky and fun classmate and was involved in cheerleading during high school.  Deb passed away on January 6th, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 61 with her family by her side.   She was blessed with four children, Monty, Monica, Melissa, and Melanie.  While in Colorado at truck driving school she met John Tillman.  They were united in marriage July 24th 1992.  John was a light in her life and the lives of their children.  He gave her the happiness she deserved and they were fortunate to have thirty wonderful years together.  They enjoyed riding their motorcycles and were members of the Abate of Iowa for many years. Deb was the secretary for Abate of Iowa for a time.  Deb and John enjoyed their yearly trips to Sturgis and seeing the friends they made along the way.  Deb and John also loved to travel and camp making friends and memories wherever they went.
In Deb’s spare time, she really enjoyed writing poems to her children.  These are so very treasured.  She enjoyed writing so much, she had actually started to write a book about her life.  Nothing in Deb’s life came easy, but she will always be remembered for her ability to overcome whatever was thrown her way.  Deb has taught her children by the same philosophy, instilling a strong work ethic to them. Deb worked in factories in her younger years. Deb then spent several years driving a truck over the road and even drove team with her husband. As her children began starting their own families, Deb and John bought the Dally Post Saloon in Lenox so they could enjoy their time as grandparents.   Deb sold the Dally Post in 2013, and then was very active in re-establishing the Lenox Neighborhood Center, where she worked up until her diagnosis of cancer.  Deb worried about others in the community, always reaching out to help whenever and with whatever was needed.  This past year Deb and John had purchased a home in Arizona with the plan to spend their winters there. Deb will always be remembered to her grandchildren as “Nana” and a very loving wife and mother. Deb always gave so much and never asked for anything in return.  Deb gave kindness to everyone, her heart was golden and full of love for her family and friends.
Deb is survived by her husband of 30 years, John, her fur baby Hank, son Monty Casteel of Atlantic, Iowa; his children Kylea and Kaden Casteel, daughter Monica Casteel and significant other, Tom Shiflett of Diagonal, Iowa; their children James and Cadance Shiflett,  daughter Melissa Barrans and husband Alex of Lenox, Iowa, daughter Melanie and husband Daniel Stewart of Lenox, Iowa; and their children Parker Stewart, Denvir Reed, and Garner Stewart.  Deb is also survived by step children Brandy Cassidy and Michelle Tillman, her sister Jeanette Morrow of Lenox, Iowa, nieces, nephews and many, many friends.
Deb is preceded in death by her parents Frances and Ora Grace, bother Lawrence Grace, brother Doyle Grace, and sister Phyllis (Grace) Matheny, brother-in-law John Matheny.
We will treasure Deb’s memory, along with her spunk, joy for life
and enthusiasm, she will be missed by everyone!