Deborah V. Pontius

Deborah Vere Pontius (Cochran) passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, in Wheaton, Illinois. Born on July 4, 1947, in Portland, Indiana, Debbie was the daughter of the late Vere Fletcher and Mary Frances Cochran (Schaub).

She is survived by her husband Steven Pontius, daughter Krista, son Blake, daughter-in-law Erin, grandchildren Francie, Henry and Eve, sisters Sandra and Karen, and many nieces and nephews.

Debbie grew up in Portland where she met her lifelong partner Steve in elementary school. Debbie and Steve got to know each other through school and Vere’s business, Cochran Hatchery, where they created lasting memories and funny stories about tending to chickens.

After graduating from Portland High School and studying at Ball State University, Debbie and Steve married in August 1967 and set off for Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, where Steve was stationed. They eventually moved back to Indiana to raise their family, living in Fort Wayne, Carmel, and Columbus.

Debbie loved Northern Michigan, having spent her summers on Crooked Lake in Ponshewaing as a little girl. She returned frequently throughout her life with Steve and the whole family, who now share her love for the lake and being “up north”.

Less appreciated was the fact that Debbie was a natural artist who was gifted at drawing and interior design. She started her own business for fun later in life, making decorative tassels from antique salt and pepper shakers which she sold at art shows in Harbor Springs and Petoskey.

Above all else, Debbie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She will always be remembered for her caring spirit, sense of humor and contagious laugh.