Deborah Helfrich

Deborah (Harless) Helfrich, age 62, of Findlay, Ohio passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 surrounded by family and friends whom she cherished. Deb was brazenly beautiful and a larger-than-life personality who spoke life, love and encouragement into the lives of us all.Deb was born on August 25, 1959 to William and Nancy Roads in Washington, D.C. before moving to Urbana, Ohio. Deb and her older sister, Kim, blossomed in this small town and developed lifelong friendships, many of which she maintained to this very day. In 1983 Deb married Scott Harless for 23 years, and with whom she raised two amazing children, Carly and Christopher.Deb's children, and later grandchildren, were her real delights. Deb was always a steadfast support for Carly and Chris. She loved being involved in their lives and was always seen on the sidelines, in the crowd and surprisingly on the Dojo floor herself. She struck up many friendships with fellow parents, and even after the kids were grown and gone, Deb would be found sharing a meal or a drink with friends from days gone by. She was a fiercely loyal person who was committed to staying connected and engaged with those she loved.Working in the banking industry for over 35 years, Deb was very influential throughout Findlay. More than anything, she loved helping to improve the lives of others. She was a mentor and friend to clients, coworkers and members of the greater Findlay business community. One such friend shared, "She believed in me before I believed in myself." Deb had an uncanny ability to see the potential in others and come alongside to help them achieve what they otherwise thought unattainable.Fourteen years ago, Deb began a life with her best friend and true partner-in-crime, Tim Helfrich. They were married in 2017 on the pedestrian bridge in Nashville with rings they had purchased just hours before. It was perfect. Their love was genuine, joyful and truly beautiful.In September of 2020, Deb was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. For 14 months she fought boldly and bravely. Ultimately, the leukemia got the better of her body, but it never touched her unbreakable spirit. On the day she was released from her first extended visit at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, she turned to the staff and charged them to "live every day of your life." Deb lived a life filled with love, service and commitment to others. And she will be greatly missed.Deb is survived by husband Tim Helfrich; daughter Carly (Bobby) Camilleri; son Christopher Harless; stepdaughters Breanne (Noah) DePriest and Danielle Helfrich; mother Nancy Roads; sister Kimberly (Joe) Love; and family friend, Doris Jones. She relished her role as Doodle to her grandchildren Logan and Lily Camilleri and Lyla and Olivia DePriest, as well as her nieces and nephew Michelle Chambless, Meredith Petka, Kailey Mann and Matthew Harless.A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hancock Hotel, 631 S Main St, Findlay, OH, on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This open gathering will include remembrance remarks from family and loved ones beginning at 1:00 pm. There is no need for formal, somber clothes. At Deb's request, please dress for a celebratory occassion.In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting these organizations that were vital to Deb over the past 14 months: donate blood and platelets through your local chapter of the American Red Cross; sign up to be a bone marrow donor at www.bethematch.org; give to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087).

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