Debra Wells Amburgey, 66 years old, of Guilford, IN passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020. A native of Yorkville, IN, Deb was known as “Mom” by many more than just her three biological children. She had a big heart and helped raise many children as her own, including fostering. She was the ever-so-available baby-sitter from her early teen years, to her “mom” years, to her older years. She was always looking out for other people, wanting to help them in any way she could. Although she never wanted to be recognized for it, she was known for random acts of kindness, whether it was sending someone a special note or gift, or providing money to those who needed it most. She was always willing to lend an ear and was truly interested to hear about kids she had met; their trials and tribulations. She took special interest in giving her time and energy to those less fortunate. She spent countless hours sitting with and caring for sick and/or elderly relatives and friends. She was appreciated by many for her caring ways.
Working at Widolff’s for over 30 years, Deb was able to extend her love for people and fill her social network by seeing friends on a daily basis. About this time every year, Deb would begin making tins of goodness for everyone. They were tins full of cookies and cakes. She was also known for her special nut cake that lovingly became known as “funeral cake” because she would always make it for meals that were served at St. Martin’s after a funeral. The “funeral cake” was so popular it became a standard at every special occasion; however, it was a secret recipe that Deb wouldn’t share with anyone. She also loved Halloween and began decorating for this special day even before Halloween decorating was so popular. Halloween as a youngster included hurrying home after school to get ready for the big event, meeting the cousins up the street and venturing through Yorkville on foot, in the dark, all the way down to Alma Widolff’s for the best popcorn balls ever.
Deb was a hard worker in all aspects of her life, beginning with babysitting, working at Monarch Grill, the Shoe Factory and the nursing home before Widolff’s. She was always in service to others. She taught many valuable lessons along the way and was content to feel good about her deeds and the productiveness of her acquaintances with no accolades. She was the humblest person.
Deb will be greatly missed by her children Samantha (Brad) Peddenpohl from Yorkville, Shane Amburgey from Guilford, and James (Stephanie) Amburgey from Yorkville; grandchildren Grace & Clara Amburgey; many nieces & nephews; and siblings Chuck Wells, Jim (Linda) Wells, Sharon (Jerry) Beiersdorfer, and Cliff (Rhonda) Wells. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles & Bernice Wells.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 11 at 11:00 at St. Martin’s Campus, All Saints Parish with Father Jonathan Meyer presiding. Rosary will begin at 10:45. Burial will immediately follow the Mass. Memorials can be made to the family to help defray expenses; checks can be written to the funeral home. Memorials will be accepted at St. Martin’s prior to the Mass or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home at 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022. Please visit www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com to sign the online guestbook or leave condolences.
In compliance with the Governor’s mandate regarding COVID-19, please remember the social distancing guidelines and the wearing of masks inside the church. For those unable to attend, please join us in participating in the funeral Mass celebration by watching online at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily.