Obituaries

Debra A. Oates, 56

November 29, 2015

Debra A. Oates, 56, of Lancaster, PA died Sunday, November 29, 2015. Born in Coatesville, PA she was a daughter of Ruth Elaine (Willard) Oates of Wardensville, WV and the late James Franklin Oates.
She was employed by Hoober International as a warehouse supervisor in Intercourse, PA. Debra loved to travel, garden, listen to music and attend concerts. She was an avid pet lover, Eagles and Phillies fan and was an advocate of LGBT rights. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and was Christian by faith.
In addition to her mother Ruth she is survived by her two brothers James E. Oates and wife Regina of Martinsburg, WV and Joseph M. Oates and wife Jennifer of Winchester, VA; one sister Brenda Scott of Wardensville, WV; maternal grandmother Bertha Sizemore of Honey Brook, PA and her companion Rachel Baugher with whom she made her home.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 3:00PM from the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St. Lancaster, PA 17602. A viewing will be held from 1-3PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane League of Lancaster, 2195 Lin¬coln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602, or Lancaster Conservancy, 117 S West End Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603 or World Wildlife Fund, 1250 Twenty-Fourth Street, N.W. P.O. Box 97180 Washington, DC 20090-7180 or 88.7 XPN Radio Station, https://donate.nprstations.org/wxpn/default

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Condolences to the Family

December 06, 2015

I just want to thank each and every one of you for the kind words said about my beautiful, sweet, caring Debby. She was my absoulte soulmate and love of my life. Today alone in this house for the first time since her body laid to rest I never felt so alone but then i think about how many of your have spoken to our Family. Ruth you will always be my mother no matter what and will always be connnected because of you gave me the best gift any one has ever gotten me….. my mate! i will eternally be greatful for you coming into my life. Jimmy, Regina, Josiah and Hannah…..wow…where to begin. With our differences in certain areas of faith you have never once treated me with nothing other than the warm comfort welcome and are such a inspiration to me and treated me just like I was your sis too! Brenda…..what can i say about you other than when i look at you and the way your persoonality is just like her I cant help but love you as well…… I see soo much of her in you and I promise I am never going to let you go! Joey well you are the one to me looks the most like Deb and I cant help but look at you with loving eyes because i see the simular features that your sister had if you left your hair grow longer I cant even imagine how much you would look like her! I thank all of the family for saying that we are still family you all have no idea how much that even means to me. Friends that i met thru Deb all have little pieces in my heart that i will keep Debby alive to see each and every one of you and keep her legacy going as long as i can! The support and love is all that has gotten me thru this and there is just no words that i can say how much i am going to miss her i wanted to spend the rest of my life with her no doubt in my head. Im just Blessed to have found her and had the time i had with her and must remain stron and keep all my promises i made to Deb Happen….love all of you!
Rachel

December 05, 2015

So sorry for your loss.   Ron (Rummer) Ryner

December 05, 2015

You will be missed dear friend.
Bill and Dale

December 05, 2015

you were a great friend gone way too soon !! I promised to come see your new puppy CooperI came but you aren’t there dear friend you are so missed  Pam 

December 04, 2015

Deb you will be missed so very much. My heart breaks for everyone and expecially Rachel. You were always one of the first people I looked for at any get togethre to hang out with even if it was sitting around and laughing about whatever was going on. No words will ever make it any eaiser. Fly high sweet Angel and remember in our time of need to fly a little lower as a reminder you’re still with us. Love you, Priya

December 04, 2015

Deb you were the person I admired and respected more than anyone else on earth.  We were so much alike and things are just starting to sink in now and I don’t know if I can bear it honestly.  The realness of it all hasn’t been there until now and I feel like I am starting to fall apart.  I want to thank all of her friends for being there for her over the years and for realizing what a truly unique and amazing person she was.  All my love……. 
Your Little Brother

December 04, 2015

It’s been a few years, Deb, we never did get together for lunch. Hard to believe you’re gone! 
You were always kind and fair, loving and forgiving. Ready to laugh or be a shoulder to cry on. 
I know we’re all one of a kind, but you, girl, you truly were, for all time. 

December 03, 2015

She was a great coworker. Always welcomed me with a “Hi” and a smile. She will be missed.
 
Nathan Landis

December 03, 2015

My prayers are with the family and friends of Debbie. I went to high school with Debbie and lost touch with her over the years but did get to catch up with her last year. She was a joy to be around and always a smile on her face. She will be missed by many. Rest in peace Deb.

December 02, 2015

Debbie, I’m so sorry I hadn’t spoken in months with you – wow – you have to be partying with my father & Judy up in Heaven, RIP dear – I’m going to miss you service…damn I can’t believe you are gone..Shawn House

December 02, 2015

RIP Deb… May you fly high with all the other Angels…
Loved you always, Cindy Herr

December 02, 2015

Been a long time since i last saw you. I am so sorry that this was how we met again. Rest well..Rob Skipper

December 02, 2015

There’s so much that I want to say here, especially since Deb was there for me when I lost my partner, Randy Kolb, who had worked for her Little Debby’s Final Cleaning business for so many years. She even opened up her home and allowed me to move in with her when Randy & I’s apt burnt where he passed away.  I was forever grateful for her kindness & friendship during that time.   I couldn’t have asked for a better friend who comforted me during such a difficult time.  Now, she’s in heaven right there with Randy & I hope their reunion is ‘bittersweet’…….cause they were also very close.  Deb had a ‘personality’ like no other, especially her infectious laugh & smile would light up the room anywhere she went.  Though I haven’t seen her in several years, she was still very dear to my heart.  You are going to be ‘missed’ by so many Deb, & Rachel will have to remain strong while your memories are forever in her heart.  I pray that her family & friends find peace in knowing she’s ok no matter what.  I miss ya Deb!!!

December 01, 2015

Deb will be sorely missed at work and in our lives.  She always thought of others and had such genuine care in her heart.   I feel lucky for having known and loved her. 
~Angela Bowman

December 01, 2015

Deb was a caring and joyful co-worker.  She was a pleasure to be around and she always considered others and their needs. I will be praying for comfort and peace for Rachel and the rest of Deb’s family following this unexpected loss.
-Stephanie Blakely

December 01, 2015

My deepest sympathies and thoughts to family and friends.  I loved Deb’s outgoing nature.  She accepted and could talk to anyone.  She will be so missed.  Denny Engel

Visitation
Saturday, December 05, 2015
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
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Services
Saturday, December 05, 2015
3:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions

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