Debra Ann Wittenborn Lehman

Debra Ann Wittenborn Lehman, beloved wife, mother and grandmother went to be with her Lord on September 29, 2016. Deb was born on October 7, 1952 in Peoria, IL to Gene and Frances Wittenborn. She was raised and received her education in Sparta, IL, graduating as class valedictorian in 1970. Debra received a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and a Masters of Statistics from Oklahoma State University. She worked as a high school mathematics teacher in Michigan, Florida, Missouri and Kansas. She was an online professor of Mathematics at Columbia College and State Fair College for the past eleven years. Deb married Donald Lehman on August 9, 1980 in Lenzburg, IL. She has three children: Christina (Robert) Luton, Joseph (Ashley) Pickett and Abigail (Alex) Lehman. She has two stepchildren: Tiffany (Mike) Kraus and Nicole (Steve) Ehinger. Debra was a wonderful, generous grandmother to her grandchildren: Spencer, Jacob, Drew, Evie, Jenna, Henry, Makinze, Jaxson, Samuel, Mikey, Timmy, Max, Tessa, and Kaylan. Deb was an active part of her children and grandchildren's lives and nothing made her happier than spending time with them. She was her granddaughter's Girl Scout leader, taught her grandson Algebra and Geometry and never missed a piano recital, sporting event or band performance. She was known for amazing "grandparent birthday trips", took her grandchildren ziplining and encouraged them each to be the best they could be. Deb was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer in 2005. Since that time she has worked to inform other women of the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. She spoke at symposiums, community forums and participated in a television documentary promoting Ovarian Cancer awareness. She was involved in the Survivors Teaching Students program through OSU Medical School in Tulsa, OK for prospective OBGYN students. She was a fighter and lived a full life for the eleven years she fought this disease, providing support, love and hope to many other cancer victims. As well as her mother, husband, children and grandchildren, she is survived by her five sisters: Jeanne Finley, Pam Campbell, Cathy Hess, Laura Deutschmann, and Becky Rhodes. She is preceded in death by her father, and two grandchildren: Jacob William Kraus and Thaddeus Joseph Kraus. The family will be receiving friends from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, October 2, 2016 at the funeral home. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 3, 2016 at the First Christian Church in Caney, KS. Interment will be Wednesday, October 5, 2016 in the Marissa Cemetery, Marissa, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to: First Christian Church, 100 East 4th Street, P.O. Box 126, Caney, KS 67333. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker-Brown Funeral Home.

Debra Ann Wittenborn Lehman

October 7, 1952 - September 29, 2016