Deborah L. Darnell, 35, Employed as a 2nd grade teacher at the Avon East Elementary School

Miss Darnell was born June 18, 1969 in Lorain and has lived in Avon Lake for 31 years.

Miss Darnell was a 1987 graduate of Avon Lake High School and a 1992 graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She earned her Master of Education in 1996 from Cleveland State University.

Miss Darnell was employed by the Avon Board of Education as a 2nd grade teacher at the Avon East Elementary School. She had been with the school system for 10 years. She served as a mentor for new teachers in the school system, and was an Ohio School Net Trainer. She was also a member and officer of the Avon Teacher’s Association, and was a political activities representative for the organization.

Deborah was a member of the Avon Lake United Church of Christ, and also a member of two book clubs. She enjoyed traveling, reading, movies and volunteering. Her family described her as a real people person.

Miss Darnell is survived by her mother; Marjorie R. Fehlner (nee Springer), step-father; George T. Fehlner, both of Avon Lake, and her step-mother; Alice Darnell of Lorain. Other Survivors include a step-brother; Robert G. Fehlner of Broadview Heights, and a step-sister; Melinda Ohle of Lorain. She is also survived by her maternal grandmother; Ione J. Springer of Amherst.

She is preceded in death by her father, Horace “Pete” Darnell, her step-brother; Dennis A. Fehlner, her maternal grandfather; Raymond W. Springer, paternal grandparents; Cyril and Nona Darnel, and step-grandparents; Alice and George Fehlner.

Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home, 163 Avon-Belden Rd., Avon Lake from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 2004. Funeral Services will be held at the Avon Lake United Church of Christ, 32801 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, Friday July 30, 2004, at 11 a.m. Rev. Kelly Peters will officiate. Cremation will follow services. A private family committal service will take place at Brownhelm Cemetery.

Memorials may be forwarded to Avon Lake United Church of Christ Memorial Garden; 32801 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, OH 44012, the Avon East Elementary School Library; 3100 Nagel Rd., Avon, OH 44011, or The Center of the Mind, Body, and Spirit, at the Ireland Cancer Center, 41201 Schaden Rd., Elyria, OH 44035.