Debra Lee (Van Vlerah) Birdsell, 66, of Collins, Ohio, and formerly of Norwalk, Ohio, died on August 1, 2024, at St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo.  She was born on July 21, 1957, in Norwalk, to the late Dorothy (Ruffing) and Morris Van Vlerah, and was a 75 graduate of EHOVE and Norwalk High School.

Debbie loved her family, and cherished time with her nieces and nephews.  She adored the role of being an "Auntie" and "Great Auntie" to them.  She served God and her church, and enjoyed time at the Sandusky Speedway and the races.

Debbie worked at various car dealerships and served as the secretary for the First Baptist Church of Norwalk.

She is survived by her husband Mark Birdsell; step daughters, Kayla (Robert) England, and Jamie Natole (Brendan Do); grandchildren, Rhiannan and Waylon; brothers, Richard (Denise) Van Vlerah, Thomas (Melissa) Van Vlerah, Morris Van Vlerah II; sister, Tammy Van Vlerah Jessee; sister in law, Sandy Van Vlerah; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husbands, Robbie Natole, and Duward (Duke) Clonch; son, Joshua Chipman; brother, Edward Van Vlerah; and brother in-law, Jack "Redd" Jessee.

A visitation for Debbie will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St., Norwalk, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.  Debbie's funeral will be held at her church, Norwalk First Baptist Church, 67 E. Main St., Norwalk, on Friday, August 9, 2024, beginning at 11 a.m.  Pastor Art Conrad will preside over the funeral services.  Burial will follow the funeral in Woodlawn Cemetery, Norwalk.  Lunch will follow internment at Norwalk First Baptist Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Norwalk First Baptist Church (address up above).  Online memories may be expressed by visiting: www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com

First Baptist Church of Norwalk
67 E. Main Street, Norwalk OH 44857