Deborah Kay “Debbie” Klaber, 72, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. She was born August 28, 1953, in Danville, IL, the daughter of John and Mae (Davidson) Glenn. She married James Klaber on December 23, 1979, in Hoopeston. He survives in Hoopeston.
She is also survived by her two sons, John (Whitley) Klaber of Hoopeston, IL and Brandon Klaber of Hoopeston, IL; sister-in-law, Diane Glenn of Crescent City, FL; two grandchildren, Mady and Rhett Klaber; and four nieces, Paige (Toby) Brown, Tonya (Kevin) Tovey, Michelle (JR) Grimes, and Teresa Hayes.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mae Glenn; and her brother, Herb Glenn.
Debbie was a retiree of Hoopeston Area Schools where she taught for 34 years. She began her teaching career teaching Jr. High social studies for several years and later taught 6th grade until her retirement. She later served on the Hoopeston Area School Board for several years. Debbie was a member of the First Church of God in Hoopeston where she was very active serving on the church board, teaching Sunday School, and working in the nursery; and was a member of the Women of the Church of God. She had a true servant’s heart, dedicating her time to volunteer work at the Hoopeston nursing home and the queen’s pageant during the National Sweetcorn Festival. She enjoyed making cookies for several Hoopeston Area sports teams and the kids often referred to her as Mama K. She also enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, and loved her English Bulldogs. Debbie found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved cheering on her granddaughter at sporting events and cherished Sunday dinners surrounded by those she loved.
Visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday, April 6, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the First Church of God, 1004 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, IL, with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.
