Deborah R. Paige

Deborah R. Paige, 74, of Van Wert, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Tranquility of Rockford after a ten‑year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

She was born September 7, 1951, in Van Wert, to Ray and Leona (Schwarck) McCollum, who both preceded her in death.

Deborah graduated from Van Wert High School and later retired from Continental Can.

A natural homebody who found comfort in the quiet of her own space, Deborah enjoyed watching General Hospital, Star Trek, and Walker, Texas Ranger. She loved sharing Star Wars and Marvel movies with her grandson, and she was an especially devoted Elvis fan. To those who knew her best, she was a “safe space” — someone who loved her family deeply and treasured every moment with her great‑grandchildren.

Deborah also enjoyed trying her luck, whether playing the slots at casinos or picking up scratch‑offs from the gas station. She even took a special gambling cruise, which became a favorite memory.

Above all, Deborah is now at peace, reunited with her husband, Jack, who passed away on September 22, 2008.

She is survived by her daughter, Laurie (Terry) Smith; stepchildren, Michael Paige, Amy Jo Paige, and Lisa Paige, all of Van Wert, and Brittany Paige of Richmond, Indiana; her niece, Crystal (Zachary) Adkins of Van Wert; grandchildren, Alexis Turner of Van Wert and Skylar Blue of Delphos; 11 step‑grandchildren; great‑grandchildren Amari and Amiah, and a great‑niece, Jocelyn Adkins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Deborah was preceded in death by her brothers, Stephen and Jeffrey McCollum.

Deborah will be laid to rest privately beside her husband in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.