Deborah Ann “Debbie” Voelker Schroth, age 63, of Butler, went to be with her heavenly family on Friday, November 15, 2019 after a hard-fought battle.
She was born July 1, 1956 in Butler to the late Norman F. Voelker, Sr. and Sara Jean (Campbell) Voelker.
She married George Schroth on June 12, 1981. Together they worked in catering/restaurant businesses in Elyria, OH, Newport News, VA, Daytona Beach, FL and Erie, PA before finally settling in her hometown of Butler, where Debbie began her memorable career at Natili North Restaurant. She worked there for over 30 years until she became ill. She dearly loved her role as manager and had a very close relationship with the restaurant’s owners, Vince and Jeannie Tavolario. Debbie had the best co-workers and customers — she knew everyone and everyone knew her. They were one big happy family and she never minded going to work. At the same time, she also helped her husband at Butler Custom Catering and she volunteered at numerous events over the years with George at Tanglewood Center.
Debbie was an avid Steelers fan and she looked forward to Sundays as well as all the family gatherings whatever the season or the reason. Debbie loved Thanksgiving and Christmas the most — she could celebrate with family and spoil the younger kids. Having no children of her own, Debbie had a special bond with her great-nieces Jailynn and Jesalynn Voelker.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sisters, Barbara Radzyminski (Daniel West), Nancy (Roger) Rettig, Connie (Gary) Malinski and two brothers, Gary Voelker and Norman Voelker, Jr., all of Butler; her uncle, Robert Campbell; her brothers-in-law John (Frances) Schroth, Chuck (Wanda) Schroth, Bob (Anita) Smith, and Bill (Lisa) Schroth; and her close friend, Debby Williams.
She is also survived by her nieces Michelle Voelker, Amy (Greg) Arnold, Sharon (Christopher) Hoden, Ashlee Hoehn, Brittany (John) Sharbutt; her nephews Michael (Suleica) Voelker, Shayne (Laci) Hoehn, Mark (Jessie) Hitchcock, Joey (Krystal) Voelker; and numerous great and step-nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by her beloved Grandma Gussie Voelker; her brother, David Voelker; and her nephew, Shawn Murphy.
Friends will be received in the Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 429 Center Avenue, Butler, on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 a.m. from Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 432 Center Avenue, Butler, with Reverend Steven V. Neff officiating.
Burial will take place in South Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tanglewood Center, Inc., 10 Austin Avenue, Lyndora, PA 16045, a non-profit organization near and dear to Debbie and George.