Deborah R. Berger

Deborah R. Berger, age 51, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, moved to live with Jesus on Wednesday, April 28, 2026, at her home in Upper Sandusky.

Deb (Debbie) was born on February 3, 1975, in Aberdeen, Ohio, to Rev. David and Karen (Soule) Havens, of Apple Valley, Ohio. She married Paul E. Berger II on July 21, 2001, at the Church of God in Licking County.

Debbie’s life is remembered and celebrated here on earth by her husband, Paul, her daughters, Marie, Rachel, and Anna Berger, of Upper Sandusky, her siblings, David (Elizabeth) Havens of Johnstown, Jonathan Havens of Blacklick, Elizabeth (Michael) Benvie of Heath, and James Havens of Blacklick, and her sisters-in-law Lynette (Larry) Tschida of Jefferson City, Tennessee, and Polly Berger of Altoona, Florida.

Debbie was welcomed home by her mother-in-law, Madeleine McElroy, step-father-in-law, Donald McElroy, and father-in-law, Paul Berger I, who have gone before her.

She graduated from Newark High School in 1993 and went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University in 1997. She then moved to Upper Sandusky and began her teaching career as a Spanish teacher, teaching at the high school, the junior high, and St. Peter’s Catholic School. Known to many as “Señora”, she not only taught Spanish but also taught her students how to navigate life. One thing that her students always remember about her is how she would always correct their behavior, in love, with one word, “kindness”.

Deb was a woman who carried a love for Jesus that radiated from her entire being. She was known for exemplifying and displaying the kindness of the Lord in all things. Every person who had the joy of meeting her encountered the love of the Lord. She never hesitated to meet people where they were at, love on them, and cover them in prayer.

Debbie had a deep love for her family and would spend every moment she could with them, finding the same importance in family vacations as in family trips to the grocery store. She found so much joy in loving on kids and babies, often being surrounded by her daughters, nieces, and nephews throughout the years.

Deb, alongside her family, worshipped the Lord at Trinity Evangelical Church in Upper Sandusky for many years. There, she touched the lives of many people through prayer, conversation, and just being present. She had a strong passion for missions and ministry, pouring out into many missionaries over the years, including her eldest daughter.

Deb truly lived a life that was obedient and completely unto the Lord. She loved Him here on earth more than life itself, and now continues to love Him for the rest of eternity in Heaven. Now, we celebrate her life and give thanks to the Lord for the time we shared with her on this side of forever.

Visitations for Deborah R. Berger will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Trinity Evangelical Church at 108 Malabar Dr., Upper Sandusky, followed by a Time of Rejoicing after the conclusion of visitations. This service will be led by Pastor Jim Stauffer.

The family encourages those in attendance on Monday to dress in what makes them comfortable and to feel free to wear bright colors, as they are celebrating the life of a woman who loved color.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family or to support the work of those who serve in the mission field, and can be forwarded to Lucas Batton Funeral Home, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, Ohio, 43351.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.