Debra “Debby” Ann Nash
Debra “Debby” Ann Nash, 71, of Onaway, died at home Monday, September 30, 2024. The daughter of Delano Franklin and Nettie (Bunker) Mason, Debby was born in Pontiac May 31, 1953, raised in Tower and graduated from Onaway High School. It was at a high school basketball game that she met the love of her life, Leon Nash. They married at St. Paul Catholic Church January 9, 1971.
Debby always worked in a job that suited her well. Known for baking the most delicious cinnamon rolls and homemade bread, she worked as a baker at several local restaurants before starting a day care that she ran out of her home. With her kind heart and love for children, providing day care was also a good fit for Debby. When the opportunity to cook, bake, and spend time with children presented itself in a position in the kitchen at Onaway Area Community Schools, Debby was the perfect candidate. In 2016, she retired from Onaway Area Community Schools where she had served as food service director for 19 years. To say Debby knew her way around the kitchen would be an understatement. Cooking and baking not only were part of her vocation, but also hobbies she was passionate about. Everything she prepared was made with love which was evident in every bite of one of her home baked pies and in every bowl of her homemade soup. She canned everything fresh from the garden she and Leon grew together. Anyone who visited Debby’s home was treated to something to eat. Hungry or not, Debby would insist on preparing something for her guests and if that didn’t work out she made a “To-Go” bag. She sent family and friends home with delicious baked goods, garden vegetables, and jars of fruits and vegetables she had canned. A gracious host, cooking for the holidays and special occasions was Debby’s forte. With her special touch, she decorated her home, made everyone feel welcome, and always went overboard on preparing special meals. She had a knack for making beautiful (and delicious) desserts presented so elegantly on a dessert table which, made choosing just one a difficult task.
Debby’s passion for cooking extended beyond the school and home to the campground. It was a family tradition to camp each summer at Clear Lake, (although Debby’s favorite camping spot was Tomahawk Lake) where Debby was the “camp cook.” And though it was supposed to be potluck, Debby usually ended up cooking everything because that’s what she loved! Meals shared around a campfire with family and friends, laughter, kayaking, and grandkids with dirty feet, dirty faces and big smiles were some of the things Debby loved about camping. As long as she could feed people, whether at school, home, church, or Clear Lake, Debby was happy.
Debby’s greatest joy came from her family. She was a loving daughter and cherished the close relationships she had with her brothers and sisters. Blessed with 53 years of marriage, Debby married her soulmate. She and Leon were best friends who made a beautiful life together and raised a wonderful family with a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Debby was a nurturing, caring mother who took an active role in the lives of her children. From the time they were young, Debby was involved in their activities. She was a Girl Scouts’ leader and their 4-H leader for sewing and cooking. She followed her kids and grandkids all over the state for sporting events, horse shows, and band concerts. She never wanted to miss those proud moments as a mom and nana. She made “crazy quilts” for her husband, children, and all of her grandchildren. Truly a labor of love, Debby reflected on the recipient of the quilt and then thoughtfully selected the fabrics. Every quilt she crafted had a heart hiding somewhere, as well as a piece of fabric linking it to Leon’s quilt, making every quilt very special for whoever received it. The keepsake quilts were a sentimental gift from Debby to her family, but her greatest gift to them was keeping them in her prayers constantly. There wasn’t anything Debby wouldn’t do to help her family. Debby’s family knew they could always turn to her for advice. She listened without making judgements and not only was a mother to her children, but a friend as well. Debby’s actions spoke louder than words and her family witnessed a lifetime of Debby doing the right thing, even when she didn’t have to. Her husband, children, and grandchildren were proud to say Debby Nash was their wife, mother, and nana.
Debby’s amazing faith began as a small child and grew stronger throughout her life as she turned to God and prayer during troubled times. She was influential in the lives of her children, raising them with a strong Christian faith, and would tell them “Give it to God” when they faced difficulties. Debby prayed with gratitude and in thanksgiving for the many blessings in her life. She prayed the rosary, attended daily Mass, and was a devoted parishioner at St. Paul Catholic Church. Very active in church activities, Debby loved her church family, was a member of the St. Paul Altar Society, and taught catechism (first Holy Communion) for many years. One of Debby’s fondest memories with her church family was the pilgrimage to Rome, Italy. Visiting the Vatican and many sites of religious significance profoundly impacted Debby in a way that was spiritual, enlightening and enjoyable. When faced with her own death, it was Debby’s unwavering faith where she found acceptance and peace. In her final weeks, Debby continued to touch the lives of everyone who came to visit by encouraging them to have a relationship with God and to attend church.
Debby embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and unending generosity that could be seen throughout her life in her roles as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, nana, and friend. She was generous with her time and volunteered at church and the Courtesy Club Food Pantry. After retiring, Debby volunteered in her daughter’s classroom, helping young students with their math and reading, and giving them praise and encouragement just as she did for her own children and grandchildren. Selfless, Debby was always doing something nice for someone. Whether she was making a pot of chicken noodle soup for someone who didn’t feel well or arranging beautiful bouquets for the church altar from blooms she cut from her flower gardens, she did everything in a heartfelt way. She had grace and a gentle way about her. Debby radiated light and accepted everyone with an open heart and open arms.
Debby will be missed by her husband of 53 years, Leon Nash; daughters, Tathy Arkwood and Heidi March, both of Onaway, and Erica Gildner of Cheboygan; a son, Leon (Paula) Nash of Petoskey; and her grandchildren who she adored, Ethan (Destiney), Elise, and Gabrielle Arkwood, Beau and Tori March, Cason and Adi Kreft,
Debby was preceded in death by her father, Delano “Fats” Mason; brothers, Tony, Terry and Joe Mason; a half sister, Anna; and her mother and father-in-law, Jane and Elwood Nash.
A memorial service was held at St. Paul Catholic Church. Debby’s final resting place is at Hillcrest Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Debby to the Courtesy Club Food Pantry or St. Paul Altar Society, but the best way to honor Debby’s memory would be to go to church.
