Deborah Ann Sheets (West) Gershman died early Friday morning (January 19, 2018) at New Lebanon Center in New Lebanon, OH. She left the loving and grateful arms of her family and is now in the peaceful and joyful presence of Jesus. She was born in Richmond, Indiana on September 3, 1935 to Harold W Sheets and Margaret E Zimmerman. She was raised in Liberty, Indiana and graduated from Union County High School, she attended Methodist Hospital School of Nursing before she graduated from Reid Hospital School of Nursing in 1957. Deborah attended Earlham College and graduated from IU East with an Associate Degree in History. She was a member of Centerville Christian Church.
She spent most of her working life in the Richmond area until she moved to Ohio in August of 2015. Deborah's life was characterized by a true service to others both personally and professionally. Her compassion for helping and being present for any need was unmatched by anyone. She proudly spent most of her life working as a RN in many different clinical areas. When she retired, she was involved in numerous volunteer activities which always involved helping others.
She started an ALS Support group in Wayne County, taught caregiver classes in Wayne county and 5 other surrounding counties. She was on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Indiana Alzheimer's Association. She also was involved in Circle U, provided respite care for Area 9, participated in Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels, was the social director and secretary for the WCTU, hosted missionary families in her home, and was active in political issues and Christian missions. She played the organ and piano in various churches her entire life.

Her hobbies included playing the organ, piano, bells, flute and singing in community groups. She loved to travel abroad to meet and connect with overseas family, participating in mission trips, and taking trips to Biblical historical sites. Her greatest gift was her unmatched devotion and love as a mother and grandmother. She left a void that will not be filled but her example of complete, gentle and unselfish love is her eternal legacy to her family.
Survivors include her daughter Anne (Tracy) West Stuart of Miamisburg, OH; grandson Jacob Nathan Stuart of Miamisburg, OH; brother Harold Wayne Sheets of Maryland; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Margaret Sheets and sister Julia Emigh.
Services for Deborah will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday January 24, 2018 at Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary. Burial will follow in Sering Cemetery in Liberty, IN. Pastor Martin Holman will officiate. Friends may call from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday January 24, 2018 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Deborah's name to Help The Animals at www.helptheanimalsinc.com or 2101 West Main St. Richmond, Indiana 47374.