Obituaries
Deborah A. Shepps, 67
March 29, 1957 - June 03, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deborah A. Shepps, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, and esteemed member of the sports community. Born on March 29, 1957, in Wynnewood, PA, Deborah peacefully departed from this world on June 3, 2024. She put up a valiant fight against breast cancer for three years.
Deborah dedicated over three decades of her life to officiating basketball, field hockey, and lacrosse, showcasing her passion for sports and fair play. Her expertise was widely respected in the industry, where she left an indelible mark. Alongside her sporting endeavors, she spent over 30 years at Formula Fitness, where her dedication and commitment shone through.
In her leisure, Deborah delighted in playing basketball, embarking on exhilarating bike rides with her beloved spouse Michael, and overseeing the time clock at Millersville University for basketball and lacrosse games. She found solace in leisurely walks along the New Jersey boardwalk and had a special place in her heart for her feline companions.
Deborah is survived by her loving husband Michael Shepps, her mother Dorothy Wilhelmy, wife of the late Norm Wilhelmy, her daughter Kristi Mickle, wife of Sean, her son Kevin Shepps, and sisters, Sheryl Rowan and Linda Armstrong. Their lives have been forever enriched by her presence and the memories they shared.
Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made in her memory to the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Center, or a local animal shelter.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
August 29, 2024
I was truly heartbroken to hear about Deb’s passing after sharing a story about the kindness she showed my sister and I at Formula Fitness. She was truly passionate and it inspired those around her! She was so kind to younger / newer people to fitness and the gym! Her presence is greatly missed. Condolences to her family for such a devastating loss.
Paxton Graybill
August 21, 2024
I am so so saddened by this news. Spent hours every day with Debbie on the 34th basketball courts in Ocean City when we were kids. We were always on the same rec teams in high school and college. We shared many good times. She was a wonderful friend that I couldn’t wait to see each summer. My sincere condolences to the family. What a loss. Gone much too soon – rest in peace my dear old friend.
Beth Simpson
June 23, 2024
Deb will be remembered on the field hockey field as one who always umpired in a consistently calm and collected manner. Although we saw each other only during the hockey seasons, we would always very easily pick up where we left off as Deb had a unique way of making you feel comfortable in any situation. Throughout the years we shared many laughs and stories of our families. She loved her family and friends and we will miss her very much. Thinking of all of you during this time.
Carole Manderewicz
June 20, 2024
Ugh so so sorry to hear this? My Deepest condolences to the entire family! She was truly special!
June 13, 2024
I am very sorry for your loss. I remember Deb officiating my daughters basketball games and seeing her at family events at Scantron. My prayers are with Mike and your family.
Chris Agresta
June 12, 2024
We were all so very sorry to hear of Deb’s passing ❤️She was the Sweetest person with a Beautiful Soul♥️Her Love for you will live on with all of your Precious Memories of her. Our Deepest Condolences ❤️ The Dellinger Family
June 12, 2024
This breaks my heart to read this, I knew Deb back in our Fitness America days. She was such a beautiful, loving friend. If family reads this I have a few photos of Deb back in the day.
Blessings to Michael and family. I have no doubt she is now has her Angel wings.
Donna Musser
June 12, 2024
Deb always had a big smile and hug at every game, whether I was 16 or 35. She did so much for our team at Penn Manor and I will never forget her constant support of all Kristi’s friends and teammates. Anyone who came in contact with Deb was fortunate to know her, and we will miss her on the pitch. 🏑
Tesla Atkins
June 11, 2024
This is a huge loss to the sports teams. She was a great attibute to every sport she officiated, played and watched for entertainment. She volunteered to help out in many ways, at community centers, orchards to assist educational opportunities for youth and to lend a hand when asked. Always willing to go the extra mile. This earth was blessed with such a fabulous individual. She will be missed. I am grateful that I knew her. May the family forever have many memories to cherish.
Susan Stafford (hockey official)
June 11, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss! Deb was such a pleasant and happy face at formula fitness . I will miss her smile her (Hey go get um) attitude. She was always so nice to me and very helpful with different things. I feel so blessed that I got to know her. She will be missed 🙏🏻💕
Cathy Linetty
June 11, 2024
I AM SO SORRY TO AWE THIS TODAY PRAYERS SENT TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS .DEB WAS A BLESSING TO MY FAMILY THANK FROM OUR HEART FOREVER GRATEFUL 🙏 JOE AND FRAN MARTINEZ
June 10, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that I saw Deb’s obituary. I met Deb at Planet Fitness. She got me into running. We have not seen each other for years. She got me into running with her. I wondered about her. Tried looking on google her address but couldn’t find it. My condolence to all the family Mary lenox
June 10, 2024
Deb will be greatly missed on the Solanco Field Hockey Field. I pray God will hold your hearts in the coming days!🙏
Jane Keeler
June 10, 2024
I was sorry to read this about Deb, I had the pleasure of working jr.high basketball games with her many years ago, she loved the game and the kids playing, I will always remember her smile and her attitude when we worked together, I know she loved her family. Your sorrow will certainly take some time to pass, but the fond memories will be many and know that those can never be take from any of you.
Dan Steinman
June 10, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family! Deb was such a great person and mentor for so many of us basketball players at Millersville University. I can see her now dropping 3’s on heavens courts and that smile say’s it all! Rest in Peace my friend!
Darlene Newman
June 10, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Deb as a fellow field hockey official and coach at Lancaster Mennonite. When I saw Deb walk onto my field as one of my officials, I could breathe a sigh of relief because I knew the game was going to be officiated fairly and consistently. She knew the game very well and was an excellent official. As a fellow official, it was a pleasure to officiate with her. Her love of the sport was very evident. The field hockey community has truly lost a great person and official. Karen Gyger ( former Field Hockey coach at Lancaster Mennonite School)
June 09, 2024
Thoughts and prayers to your entire family in the passing of a very special wife, mother and daughter. I have fond memories of having coached our “3 point” shooter in Brooks Hall.
Marge Trout