Deborah Lynn (Smith) Nothstine

Deborah Lynn “Debby” Nothstine, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away on April 15, 2026, at home, in the city where she was born and spent her life surrounded by family, faith, and cherished memories. She was born on June 18, 1953, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Reno Smith and Etoile (Crick) Smith. Debby lived a life marked by kindness, strength, and devotion to the people she loved.

Debby graduated from Mishawaka High School, Class of 1971, and continued her education at Indiana Vocational Technical College, where she earned a degree as laboratory technician in 1972. She carried the discipline and dedication she learned in school into her working life, spending many years as a lab tech at Elkhart General Hospital. She later continued her career at Miles-Bayer Corporation in Elkhart, where she eventually retired after years of faithful service. Her coworkers knew her as dependable, hardworking, and steady, and she took pride in doing her work well.

On November 1, 1974, Debby married her one and only true love, James Michael Nothstine, at Liberty Drive Missionary Church in Mishawaka, Indiana. Their marriage was a lasting partnership filled with love and commitment until James passed away on July 29, 2020. Debby carried his memory with her always and treasured the life they built together.

Debby is survived by her son, Alex Nothstine, of Knoxville, TN, and her beloved granddaughter, Nicholle Nothstine, who always brought great joy to her grandparents.  She is also survived by 12 loving nieces and nephews who will remember her warmth, encouragement, and gentle spirit. She was preceded in death by her parents, Reno Smith and Etoile (Crick) Smith; her husband, James Michael Nothstine; her sister, Alice; and her brothers, Bill, Darrel, Jukey, Phil, and Kenny.
 

Debby enjoyed playing in soccer leagues and staying active. She loved being on the move and found joy in bike riding, ice skating, roller skating, softball, snowmobiling, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come. She also loved bird watching and going to Indiana State Parks with her family, and found peace in the simple beauty of nature. Throughout her life, she was a devoted cat lover and found great comfort in recent years with her beloved companion, Halle.  Debby was devoted to her parents, often referred to by her mother as “her right arm”.  She loved them greatly, and it showed in her care of them.

Above all, Debby was deeply rooted in her Christian faith, which guided her life and gave her strength through every season. Debby will be remembered for her loving heart, her quiet strength, and the steady faith that shaped the way she lived.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 2-4 p.m.  A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, starting at 4 p.m., all being held at Liberty Drive Missionary Church, 2014 Liberty Dr. Mishawaka, IN. Debby will be laid to rest at a later date at Porter Rea Cemetery, located in Potato Creek State Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated in Debby’s name to the Joslin Diabetes Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Also, Debby and Jim used to donate new winter coats and backpacks to kids in need in the Mishawaka School System each year.  In honor of them, you may wish to do the same at a school near you.

Palmer Funeral Home ~ Bubb Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.