Debbie Whitesell, 65, Dunkirk, died Sunday December 3, 2023 at home following an extended illness.  Born in Norton, Virginia, she moved with her family to Dunkirk at a young age and graduated from Jay County High School in 1977.  Debbie was a banker for over 30 years and retired in 2008 as the Chief Operating Officer at First Financial Bank in Hartford City.  She was a member of Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church and Neighborhood Crime Watch, was a former member of The Dunkirk Foundation, and had served on the Dunkirk Library board.  Debbie loved to read. She enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes, traveling – including trips to Gatlinburg with Chris, and most importantly she loved being with family – especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughters: Nicole Knoth (husband: Dave), Ft. Wayne, and Lauren Whitesell, Ft. Wayne; brothers: Gordon Lowe (wife: Ginger), Redkey, Clarence Lowe (wife: Marty), Centre, AL, Alton Lowe (wife: Reba), Dunkirk, and Warren Lowe (wife: Jan), Portland; sister: Jennie Henry (husband: Dick), Redkey; mother-in-law: Aloma Whitesell, Dunkirk; brothers-in-law: Junior Price, Dunkirk, Danny R. Whitesell (wife: Carol), Dunkirk, and Mike Whitesell (wife: Brenda), Dunkirk; sister-in-law: Robin Hayden (husband: Kip), Dunkirk; grandchildren: Sydney, Abram, Chloe, and Ethan Christopher; nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Chris Whitesell; parents: Raymond & Inez (Anderson) Lowe; sister: Sharon Price; sisters-in-law: Ruthann Lowe and Florene Lowe; father-in-law: Richard "Dick" Whitesell; nephews: Jarrod Whitesell and one who died in infancy, and niece: Theresa Lowe who died in infancy.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023 at Meacham Funeral Service with burial following at Dunkirk I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Visiting hours are Friday from 12 until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to The Dunkirk Foundation, P.O. Box 202, Dunkirk, IN 47336.