Debbie Wilhelm

Debbie Wilhelm, age 60, a resident of Portland, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Debbie was born March 19, 1964, in Rensselaer, Indiana, the daughter of Richard and Earlene (Rowe) Lovely. She earned her master’s degree in teaching and taught locally for several grades. 

Debbie married Joseph Rushing on July 4, 2013. 

Survivors include:

Her mother — Earlene Lovely, Ridgeville, Indiana 

Her husband — Joseph Rushing, Portland, Indiana 

Her children — Kelly Jones, Jennifer Betz, Portland, Indiana, Michael Malyska, Portland, Indiana, Dawn Wilhelm, David Wilhelm, Portland, Indiana, Dakota Wilhelm, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mikayla Rickard, Bryant, Indiana, and Brittney Shewmake, Portland, Indiana 

Step-children — Crystal Finch (husband: Troy), Elizabeth Vorce, Toledo, Ohio, and Stacy Rushing, Tipton, Indiana 

Her siblings — Randall Lovely, Rita Brock (husband: Rick), Chris Lovely and Harrison Lovely

Grandchildren — Emmett, Bennett, Emma, Madalyn, Lyndon, Hazel, Landen, Camden, Amelia, Jade and several more grandchildren and great-grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Douglas Lovely and Brian Lovely; nephews Randy Lovely, Andy Lovely, Ricky Brock, Tyson Wireman and Brandon Wireman; her father Richard Lovely; and son-in-law Andrew Betz.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. at Goodway Baptist Church, 14065 W. 400 North, Medaryville, Indiana. Services to celebrate Debbie’s life will follow at 2 p.m. on Friday at the church. Pastor Dean Rowe will officiate and burial will follow in the Goodway Cemetery in Medaryville. 

Arrangements entrusted to Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland.