Deborah Wallis Stretch

A faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Deborah Wallis Stretch... Deborah was born in South Bend, Indiana, on January 12, 1961, to her parents, Dolores Pavlak and Marchmont Peter Kovas. She walked through the gates of heaven into the loving arms of Jesus on January 12, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. She got her greatest desire and present on her 65th birthday — to see Jesus face-to-face. During the final year of her life, Deborah resided in Dallas alongside her daughter, Hope Anne Stretch. Deborah had one daughter, Hope Anne Stretch, who loved her deeply and was devoted to serving her. She is survived by her sister, Marcia Kokot, residing in Granger, Indiana, with Marcia’s spouse and children. She was loved by Hope’s grandparents, Rexanna and Loredano Stretch. Deborah was cherished by many friends and family. Deborah was a brilliant woman who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the University of Notre Dame and later received her Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University, blending her deep faith, academic passion, and a lifelong calling of caring for others. During her career, she served as a social worker in the South Bend School Corporation for around 20 years. Deborah had the deepest passion to serve children and change lives through relationships and therapy. The resounding mark of her life was shown by servant-hood and servitude. Her life legacy was committed to faithfully serving Jesus to the very last breath. She never gave up hope in the Lord Jesus Christ and constantly put her faith in Him. Deborah Stretch was a woman of faith. Deborah was a witty woman with silly humor, with a radiant smile that could light any room. Her pug puppies, Rosie, Ladybug, and Bella, brought her the most joy. A few of Deborah’s favorite things included reading Scripture, worship, her favorite passage of Psalms 23, red roses, York Peppermint Patties, the I Love Lucy television series, baked spaghetti with meatballs, and her Snow Baby Collectibles. Above all else, Deborah deeply loved Jesus Christ. Deborah was a woman who trusted in the Lord and never lost faith in Jesus Christ, even with a severe diagnosis of advanced Alzheimer’s. More than that, she knew Jesus intimately despite her imperfections and flaws. She was an evangelist in the nursing facilities, in the public schools, counseling children, and to those around her. Deborah Stretch was a woman who feared God. She was a phenomenal mother to her daughter. Her daughter will never forget the example that she left. Relentlessly, Deborah exemplified selflessness and sacrificial love to make sure those she loved were taken care of. Deborah was a good friend to many — to know Deborah was to love Deborah. May Deborah’s life legacy bring many to their knees in repentance as people are confronted face-to-face with Jesus Christ. This was Deborah’s prayer: that many would come to know Jesus. Her life legacy will continue to shine with the glory of the Lord! May the Lamb receive the reward of His suffering through his faithful servant, Deborah Wallis Stretch. Psalms 23 and Psalms 116:12-16 A celebration of Deborah's life will be from 11:00am to 2:00pm, Saturday April 18, 2026 at River of Life Fellowship Church in Middlebury, IN. MEMORIAL DONATIONS: For those who wish to support the family during this time, donations may be made at: https://gofund.me/c2b21f717 Contributions will go toward the remaining interment and Celebration of Life expenses in memory of Deborah. FLORAL TRIBUTES: Floral donations “In Loving Memory of Deborah Stretch” may be ordered through Ava’s Flowers in Middlebury, IN, and delivered Friday, April 17, before 3:30 PM. DELIVERY LOCATION: River of Life Fellowship Church 11162 IN-120 Middlebury, IN 46540 ORDER FLOWERS: Online: https://www.avasflowers.net/categories/funeral/all-funeral-flowers#!/show/100 Phone: 877-638-3303

Tributes

Deborah Wallis Stretch

January 12, 1961 - January 12, 2026