COLUMBUS
Deborah D. Yeley, 65, of Columbus, Indiana, died peacefully while surrounded by family at 10:20 AM, Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana. Deborah was born on May 14, 1956 in Columbus, the daughter of Thomas S. Yeley, and H. Pauline (Shell) Yeley.
Deborah was a member of the first-year graduating class at Columbus East High School in 1974. Following high school Deborah attended DePauw University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 1978. Within a few years of graduation, Deborah had established herself in Fairbanks, Alaska where she married, and later gave birth to her son Thomas Joshua Lodwig-Yeley. She returned to Bartholomew County with her son to begin a new life and worked as a quality engineer for suppliers in the Columbus area.
She found both meaning and enjoyment in her life being a parent to her son. She greatly valued her numerous local friendships, many going back to her childhood. Music was another source of joy for Deborah; from her youth she enjoyed playing the piano and oboe, and in more recent years had begun mastering the English horn.
She is survived by her son T.J. Yeley, of Columbus, Indiana, and brother Myron R. Yeley, of Richmond, Virginia.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday. October 8, 2021 at Sandcreek-Azalia Friends Church with Pastor Fred Darling officiating. Calling will be from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Burial will be held at Azalia Methodist Cemetery.
