COLUMBUS
Debby Knulf, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed from this life at her home in Columbus, Indiana, on August 25, 2025. Born on September 5, 1951, in Mayfield, Kentucky, Debby was the beloved daughter of the late Max and Rosie Burgess Turnbow. Her life was a testament to the love and dedication she had for her family.
On March 20, 1971, Debby married the love of her life, Dennis E. Knulf, and together they built a beautiful life over the course of 54 years. Their union was blessed with two devoted children, Darryn (Jen) Knulf of Shelbyville and Heather (Mike) Likens of Columbus. Debby’s joy was multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren, Adam (Morgan) Likens, Korryn Knulf, Makayla Knulf, Jack West, and Rylee West, and she was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother to Larkin, Lauryn Likens, and Colson O’Rourke.
A 1969 graduate of Columbus High School, Debby began her career as a telephone operator at Indiana Bell. Her nurturing spirit led her to become the owner of Debby’s Day Care, where she touched the lives of many families for 20 years. Debby’s dedication to her community was evident through her volunteer work with the Columbus Fraternal Order of Police, where she made lasting contributions and friendships.
Debby’s siblings, Ron (Judy) Turnbow of Columbus, Barry (Paula) Turnbow of Columbus, Jeff Turnbow of Columbus, Russ Turnbow (Sonya Grave) of Seymour, and Lisa Turnbow of Turks and Caicos, along with her sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Keith Penick of Columbus, and sister-in-law, Mary Knulf, of Columbus, will fondly remember her warmth and kindness.
Preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother-in-law, Don and Katherine Knulf, as well as her brother-in-law, Dean Knulf, Debby leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness. Her interests, such as flower gardening and spending precious time with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, were simple yet profound expressions of her love for life and the beauty it holds.
A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, August 30th, at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. September 28, 2025, at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89, 2120 West 450 South, Columbus. In memory of Debby, memorial contributions may be made to Columbus Animal Care Services, 2730 Arnold Street, Columbus, Indiana 47203 or cards are available at the funeral home.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Knulf family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
