Deborah “Debi” Jane Shimmel
Our beloved and beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and dear friend, Deborah “Debi” Jane (Summers) Shimmel, 71, of Philipsburg, Pa, transitioned from her earthly life to her eternal life cradled in the arms of our Almighty Father on Saturday, May 31, 2025. She fought a long, heroic battle with kidney disease and made the courageous decision to end renal dialysis treatment after 13-years. She was at home and surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing.
Born on April 15, 1954, in Philipsburg, she was the daughter of the late Elmer G. and Jane A. (Wilson) Summers.
She married the love of her life, Roger L. Shimmel, of Wallaceton, Pa, on October 6, 1984, in Philipsburg, who survives her in death.
Debi was a dedicated employee of The Pennsylvania State University, where she retired after 37 years of service in 2012. She served in the Athletics Department and was an Administrative Assistant within the Human Resources office. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, in Philipsburg, where she volunteered with several groups throughout her lifetime. Debi also had a uniquely warm heart for children; her compassion for the youth was not limited to those in her own circle, but extended far across the world to those she didn’t know. She was an avid supporter of many charities aimed at supporting and bettering the lives of little ones, including the YMCA, Four Diamonds/THON, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Debi is also survived by two daughters, Ashley Shimmel, of Harrisburg and Lindsay Shimmel, of Philipsburg; one son, Justin Shimmel, of Philipsburg; two grandchildren, Everly Evilsizor and Royce Shimmel; two nieces, Michelle (Jeff) Helffrich and Nicole (Robert) Shaw; and four nephews, David (Jean) Patrick, Scott (Tracy Michele) Binkley, Richard Shimmel, Jr. and Matthew (Julie) Shimmel. She also leaves behind four great-nieces, Kayla, Kendall, Taylor, and Paige; as well as four great-nephews, Mark, Ryan, Brady and Wendall.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Joan C. Summers and one great-nephew, Andrew J. Woods. She was the last of her generation.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 12:00 Noon, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S. Front Street, Philipsburg, Pa with the Rev. Laura Kyler and Rev. Brenda Leigey, co- officiating. Visitation with family and friends will be at the church on Saturday from 10:30 am until the time of the service. Both the visitation and memorial service are open to the public.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions may be made in Debi’s memory to: Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S. Front Street, Philipsburg PA 16866; Moshannon Valley YMCA, 113 N. 14th. Street, P.O. Box 426, Philipsburg, PA 16866; and/or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 S. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 / http://www.stjude.org.
The family wants to thank the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care and Geisinger Medical Group, as well as Rev. Elise Lenhart of Life’s Treasured Tapestry.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Philipsburg.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at http://www.beezerheathfh.com.
