Deborah L. Borton 1956-2025

Deborah was born Oct. 1, 1956, in Salem, a daughter of the late James and Mary Meyers Rice. She was raised in Hanoverton, graduated from United High School with the Class of 1975 and made her home in Austintown for most of her life.

She attended Youngstown State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Business and proudly made the dean’s list.

Deborah built a career dedicated to caring for others, serving as a licensed nursing home administrator. She worked with Sam Savon, overseeing his assisted living facilities, later with Sateri, and earlier traveled throughout Northeast Ohio, evaluating home conditions to ensure quality care. She especially enjoyed working with senior citizens, always offering patience, compassion and dignity.

Debbie also devoted herself to her family as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a devout Christian who placed her life in God’s hands and was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church.

She had a love for nature, especially tending to her flowers and roses, and she eagerly looked forward to planting strawberries every spring. Debbie enjoyed quiet drives through Mill Creek Park in search of deer, cherished the company of her beloved cats and was gifted with words — some of her poetry was published.

A talented baker, she was known for her pies and cookies, but above all, her greatest joy came from time spent with her family.

She leaves behind her husband of 32 years, Paul Borton, whom she married Nov. 27, 1992; her daughters, Jessica (Michael) Pearce of Houston, Texas, and Mallory (Levi) Valentine of Cortland; six grandchildren, Michael, Curtis, Gary, Isabella, Lillian and Connor; her brothers, David (Barb) Rice and Mark (Vickie) Rice, both of Columbiana County; her sisters, Dr. Teri (Steve) Sanor and Kathy (Jim) Pahanish, also of Columbiana County; as well as many extended family members and friends.

Family and friends may call 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sep. 13, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, where a funeral service will take place at 3 p.m.

Debbie’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Shepherd of the Valley and to Dr. Mary Rensel of the Cleveland Clinic for the loving care and kindness shown to her throughout her illness.

Debbie will be remembered for her strength, her compassion and the love she shared so generously with those around her.

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