Leader Publications

Debra Louise Lewis, 57, of Ferry Street, Niles, died at 8:25 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at River Crest Specialty Hospital in South Bend, Ind., after an extended illness.

She was born Jan. 27, 1952, to Joseph Lewis and Yvonne McGreene.

She graduated from Niles High School and was a lifetime Niles resident.

She was formerly employed at Thermoplastic in South Bend.

Debra was on bowling leagues at Shula’s and White’s Bowling Lanes.

She enjoyed fishing and cooking.

Surviving family includes: a daughter, Christina M. (and Jason) Shorts of Niles; a son, Scott B. Okonski Jr. of Niles; two grandchildren, Joseph Shorts and Cody Okonski; her mother, Yvonne “Bonnie” Lewis of Niles; a brother, David (and Carolyn) Lewis; a sister, Diana Lewis of Roseland, Ind.; a sister, Darla Cavanaugh of Springfield, Mo.;  several nieces, nephews and cousins; one uncle; and special friends, Brenda Howdeshell, Todd and Deb Curran and Leanne Hoese; and her special companion, Honey Bear.

She was preceded in death by: her father, Joseph Lewis; a sister, Donna Poole, who died in 2007; and a brother-in-law, James Poole, who died in 2004.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

There will be no visitation. Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Michigan Humane Society.