Debra J. Hurlburt, 65, of Monon, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, October 25, 2024, at her home. Born on July 28, 1959, to David Ward and the late Betty (Brown) Ward, Debra was a cherished member of her community and family.

Debra was a 1978 graduate of Lacrosse High School. She was married to Byron Hurlburt, with whom she had a son, Chad Hurlburt, who survives her. Byron and Debra would later divorce. Debra was a past member of Abate of Indiana and enjoyed playing Rummy and other games with her family and friends. She had a passion for music, including country, rock and roll, and the oldies, and loved spending time with her family.

Her career included 19 years at Monon Trailer, which later became Vanguard, followed by 10 years running her own at-home daycare, caring for many children in the Monon community. She retired from True Flight Arrow Company of Monticello in 2021 after 9 years.

Debra is survived by her father, David Ward, her son, Chad Hurlburt, and her nieces and nephew: Angelia Strickland, Mandee (Corey) Nicolas, Richard Budd Jr., Robin, Kim, and Samantha. She is also survived by 10 great-nieces, 6 great-nephews, 9 great-great-nieces, and 13 great-great-nephews.

During Debra’s time running her daycare, she was fortunate to keep a wonderful relationship with three children she had once babysit, Braylee, Gracie, and Hunter.

 She was predeceased by her mother, Betty Ward, her sisters, Marsha Gottschalk and Deanna Turner, infant twin sisters, Vyana and Dyana; her brother, Chuck Willems, and her great-niece, Brittney Budd Hurley.

Visitation will be held from 11 AM (EST) until the time of the funeral service at 1 PM (EST) on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Clapper Family Funeral Home of Monon, located half a mile east of Hwy 421 past North White High School. Chaplain David Mills will officiate, and interment will follow in Monon Chapel Cemetery.