Debra Lynn Friddle, age 71, of Wilmington, IL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet.

She was born on January 3, 1955 in Jacksonville, IL to Jonathan A. Rose and Barbara (nee Kappler) Feeley. She grew up with her family on the Kankakee River and graduated from Wilmington High School Class of 1972. Deb was a devoted mother to her only son, Justin. They were two peas in a pod. She worked as a pipefitter for Exxon Mobile for 19 years until her retirement.

Deb was a lover of the outdoors. She enjoyed flower gardening, yardwork maintenance and raking leaves. Going out on the boat with her river friends and being in the sun and the wind brought peace to Deb. She loved deer hunting with Justin and her fiancé of 35 years, Joe Thatcher, and was pleased to note that her buck mount was the biggest on the wall. Deb was a kind soul who touched so many in her life and made a lasting impact on everyone that she knew.

She is survived by her son, Justin (Lori) Friddle; her daughter, Shannon Emmons; her grandchildren, Cole and Jake Emmons, Morgan (Felicia) Axelson, Alexander (Breanna) Axelson, Christian Axelson and Olivia Balerud Long; two great-grandsons, Isaac and Eli Axelson; her sisters, Teresa (Patrick) Dickens and Deniece (Howard) Schott; her brothers, Scott (Nina) Rose and Jonathan (Angela) Rose; her cousin and caregiver, Penny Harris and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her longtime love, Joseph Thatcher and her brother, Steven Rose.

Memorials in Deb’s name may be directed to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, July 31, 2026 at the Ferrari Funeral Chapel, 1044 Ferrari Drive, Coal City, IL 60416.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 1, 2026, also at the Ferrari Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com

Ferrari Funeral Services of Coal City are entrusted with arrangements.