Memorial

Deborah J Stiles, devoted wife, mother & grandmother, went to be with her Heavenly Father on October 13th after a short illness.  Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 22, 2021, at First Open Bible Church: 1911 E Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52405.  A visitation will be held before the service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church.  Burial will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Deborah was born in Marshalltown, IA, graduated from Marshalltown high school and married the love of her life, Thomas.  After having three children she decided to pursue a nursing career and graduated from Kirkwood with her RN.  

Deborah is survived by her husband Thomas; 3 children, Brian (Karyn) of Marion, IA; Bradley (Jennifer) of Nashville, TN; and Kimberly Stiles of Christiana, TN; 2 grandchildren, Samuel and Sarah; 2 sisters, Kristin (Wes) of Omaha, NE and Jana (Steve) of Gladbrook, IA.  

Deborah had a passion for Jesus that came out in everything she did.  She loved being a nurse and providing compassionate care for her patients throughout her career.  She used these gifts to minister to others around the world.  Her work through medical missions with Healthcare Ministries, helping others in need, in Jesus name, was the absolute highlight of her career.  Deborah was also a mentor to young girls volunteering as a camp counselor for many years. She was a friend to all and a servant in every way.

Deb and Tom shared many wonderful travels over the years.  Her energy, spontaneity, and sense of adventure were contagious.  She adored that Tom was always willing to jump in the car and go with her, no matter the time of day or the destination.  They were the perfect fit for each other, and always had so much fun on their adventures.  

Deb loved her children dearly.  Sharing long conversations with Bradley about the Lord and listening to him lead others into Jesus' presence in worship was a joy to her. Fun outings with Jennifer were always a special time.  She treasured time spent at Kimberly’s ‘Bed and Breakfast’ and thanked the Lord for her heart of service to others.  Mom relied on Brian for his tech support regularly and was so impressed with the amazing father he is to Samuel and Sarah.

Deborah had an amazing talent and adoration for sewing, quilting and crafting.  She also had what some might say was an obsession with fabrics, and she passed all of these on to Karyn.  Creations of all kinds were made by her hands.  Snowmen, gnomes, bags, quilts, and any garment you could imagine, for people of all sizes and her American Girl dolls too.  Her skills were matched by few, and she generously shared them with anyone in need.  She sewed scrubs for her mission’s trips and left them for the people she was serving. On many occasions she was known to mend or create items for co-workers and patients. 

She adored her grandchildren and loved every moment spent with them.  She would often say how beautiful Sarah was, especially when watching her on stage in her lyrical dances, which often brought a tear to her eye.  She loved cheering for Samuel either on stage for Showchoir or on the baseball diamond. 

In lieu of flowers, Deborah’s wish is that you continue her ministry by donating to Healthcare Ministries, now called CompassionLink, in her name. https://giving.ag.org/donate/600001-341824