Deborah Sue (Burkhart) Siburt, 67 of St. Clairsville, formerly of Martins Ferry passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital.  She was born May 3, 1956, in Martins Ferry, the daughter of the late Robert J. and Catherine A. (Jepson) Burkhart.

She was a graduate of Martins Ferry High School class of 1975, and most recently worked at Coleman's Fish Market in Wheeling, WV.

Debi was a quiet soul and enjoyed her life in the valley, however, her greatest joy came from spending time with her sons, grandchildren and her sisters and brother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Bob Burkhart.

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Chris (Lana) Siburt of Sylvania and James (Jamie) Siburt of Adena, grandchildren, Austin and James Siburt, siblings, Cathie (Fred) Beck, Cindi Burkhart Glaser, Mary Beth (Phil) Yocum, Michael (Christy) Burkhart and several nieces and nephews.

When she was admitted to the hospital last week, we felt that this would be the end of her journey here on Earth.

It has been a long and difficult road for her these past few years, and she held on longer than anyone could have expected.  Only she knows why, but we cannot help but think that it was to ease the impact by giving us time to prepare.  A chance to begin the grieving process while she was still here with us.

She was stubborn and would do anything she could to shield her boys from pain, even if it meant looking Death in the eye and telling him, "Not yet, not until I say so!" It did not matter that it was at the cost of her own comfort.

She will be missed.

In keeping with her wishes there will be no public visitation.  There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.  Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Rd., Brookside is assisting the family.

To leave online condolences please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes.com.