Debra J. Deems, 69, of Dallastown, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 18, 2026.

A 1975 graduate of Central High School, Deb called York County home throughout her life, but she loved to travel. She and her husband, Jim, spent many years exploring the country together in their RV. Some of their happiest travels took them south for the winter, where they spent time with friends in Texas, Florida, and Alabama. The places were part of the adventure, but the friendships they found along the way made those trips special.

Family road trips were always full of laughter and oldies on the radio. Deb loved 1950’s music, and sang along every chance she got.

Deb loved American wildlife and the outdoors. Moose, elk, wolves, alligators, buffalo, and the other creatures she encountered in her travels held a special place in her heart.

Deb knitted extensively for charity and was a gifted seamstress. Her work for WWII Soldier included sewing and knitting reproduction historical items. Many of them ended up in the movies she watched and museums she visited across the country. Closer to home, she took great pride in the many 1st-place York Fair ribbons she won for her handiwork.

Deb was also an amazing cook. Her food became part of countless gatherings and family traditions, with family and friends often requesting their favorites. During football season, Sundays meant family dinners and Steelers football.

She worked alongside her father, Leon Greenplate, at the York County Garagemen’s Association, as an insurance administrator. After she retired, Deb enjoyed her part-time role as a campground activities director, sharing her love of crafts with friends and campers.

Deb is survived by her husband, Jim Deems, with whom she celebrated 49 years of marriage in August; their daughter, Denise; and their beloved English Springer Spaniel, Charlee.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leon Greenplate, who passed away in 2019, and her mother, Janet Greenplate, who passed away in April 2026.

A memorial will be held on Friday, September 25th at Eberly Funeral Home, 104 West Main Street in Dallastown. The visitation will start at 12:00 pm and the service will start at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made in Deb’s memory to the Mid-Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue (https://maessr.org/), honoring her love for dogs and the special place they held in her heart.