Debbie Funeral

Good morning. On behalf of all the family, thank you for being here today to celebrate the beautiful life and legacy of Deborah Richey. A woman who lived life to the fullest even in the midst of hardship. A kind woman who leaves us with a lasting legacy of love and perseverance who left us far too soon. Today as we remember and we grieve, but we do not grieve without hope we think of this picture of heaven that is painted in revelation....

Rev

The New International Version Chapter 21

Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ u or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

Pray

When storms come your way, just remember you know the Master of the wind, when sickness finds you, just remind yourself you know the Great Physician, when your heart is broken, just say I know the Potter, it doesn’t matter what you face or go through in life, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, He is everything you need.

Deborah Kay Richey, of Wabash, Indiana passed away on Saturday December 25th. She was 42 years old.

Debbie was born on November 12, 1979 to Charles and Donna Dalton.

She loved her family. Growing up Debbie was just happy to be with friends and family. She was a quieter person who never felt the need to be the center of attention or a problem for any one. She was caring and selfless. She was always willing to go with the flow.

As a kid Debbie loved being outside. She loved to play in creeks and pick dandelions as long as she was allowed to.

From a young age Debbie was a big animal lover. Whether it was fish, the many cats she had and loved. Or a hamster who she insisted upon having a funeral for after it died, with a match box coffin and real burial and her sister Teresa singing amazing grace to round things out.

Debbie loved doing things like arts and crafts…this love would continue into adulthood in the form of quilting in which she was very gifted in and love to do.

Speaking of Teresa, the two sisters shared a real bond growing up. They shared a room and had bunk beds. Teresa said she loved to listen to music on her cassette player which sometimes pleased Debbie and sometimes not.

Teresa has fond memories of her little sister who was usually content to do whatever she was up to, even if it was watching the original parent trap on vhs…over and over again.

Debbie was a hard working both Teresa and Dave remember from when they all worked at Ponderosa together.

Debbie graduated from Wabash High School in 1999.

In 2000 Debbie met and start her relationship with Paul, the two would be together for 22 wonderful years....

In 2001 Debbies favorite title was given to her when he son Brendan was born. She loved being a mom and especially loved being his mom. They shared a special bond. Debbie was always so proud of him and his accomplishments. She loved going to any event he had like his cross country meets. He was truly the apple of her eye.

When he was younger Debbie especially loved walking him to church at free will baptist.

Debbie loved movies, especially any that she would find on the hallmark channel.

Debbie was a selfless person who would help anyone she could.

Sadly late this fall Debbie began to deal with some heal issues that would ultimately lead to her death , although she fought with everything she had.

‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭4:7-8‬

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Invite up Brendan to share

invite up Paul to share

Part of today is allowing ourselves to be honest with God about grief, frustrations, and even anger. the really great news is that He is not afraid of the feelings we have. In fact in the midst of our pain He gives us the gift of His presence and understanding.

PSalm

The New International Version Psalm 34

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Matthew

The New International Version Chapter 5

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Joshua

The New International Version Chapter 1

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭

I believe that with my whole heart. That will grief will be a journey. One we wouldn't choose and will not like, we can take comfort in the fact that you don’t face it alone. We have a Refuge in God, ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:1-3, 10‬ ‭

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

Debbie understood this that she did not have to fear. That in the midst of trials and doubts, she could trust in God who would give her peace.

Philippians

The New International Version Chapter 4

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The New International Version Chapter 14

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

I believe that is one of the greatest desires God has for you today, that you would find peace. That you would find peace in this world and that you would be with Him in the next.

But today we do not want to grieve without hope. Paul said these

Romans

The New International Version Chapter 8

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God’s love will always be chasing us and there for us. Every single one of us.

John

The New International Version Chapter 14

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

John‬ ‭14:1-3‬ ‭,6

Again this is for all people. This is a generous love. And its a love that casts out all fear.

John 3:16-17

The New International Version Chapter 3

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Again Jesus came into this world to save you and me, So we could have a better present and an ultimate future with Him, like Debbie.

God desires that all his children would come home....that they would trust in him

John

The New International Version Chapter 11

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

No matter who you are and where you come from you are invited to experience this new life in Jesus.

“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭16:22‬ ‭

Today I take comfort and have joy thinking about how Debbie is in heaven…she has been made new…free of pain, suffering, and worry. The invitation is for all of us to surrender to Jesus so that like Debbie, we too may one day experience joy everlasting with Jesus for eternity.

Matthew 11

The New International Version Chapter 11

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Friends, Debbie is whole once more. And he is at rest with Jesus.

Debbie Richey, well done good and faithful servant.

Listen to this song

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside cquiet waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He guides me in the cpaths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You have anointed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will bdwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Pray