Deborah Skelton

Deborah Mae Skelton,

also known as Aunt Debby, 76, of Canton, passed away on April 1, 2026.  Born on January 16, 1950 in Canton, Deborah was the beloved daughter of late Donald and Ruth (Baldwin) Gurney. She was a 1969 graduate of McKinley High School then earned her degree in Nursing from Walsh University.

She spent her life as a fun-loving wife, sister, fur-mom, aunt, friend, & nurse. Deborah was known for her sense of humor, adoration for her pets, and crafting abilities. At family gatherings, she was the life of the party who not only entertained the children but provided the crowd-pleasing chex-mix, pumpkin cookies, and her famous whiskey slush. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing a variety of video games. She touched the lives of many through practical jokes and home-made cross-stitch or crocheted gifts.

Deborah proudly served as a registered nurse for over 35 years at Timken-Mercy Hospital, preferred the 'midnight shift', and was deeply committed to her patients in the intensive care unit, recovery room, and emergency room. She retired in 2014.  She was a top-notch fur-mom to several cats and dogs & reveled in providing unconditional love, endless playtime, and an abundance of treats.

Deborah is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, Matthew (Erica) Egner, and their daughter, Ramona, Molly (Bill) Shear, and their daughters, Cora and Everly, Patrick Skelton and his son, Bryce, Erin (Ryan) Wilson, and their children, Lauren and Grayson, Dan (Amy) Runge, and Megan Runge, and her children, James, Katie, Lilly, and John. She was preceded in death by husband, James Skelton, and sister, Cheryl.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Brewster Parke Nursing Home and Crossroads Hospice for their compassionate care.

Services will be held Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11am in Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home. Interment in Sunset Hills Burial Park. Friends may call one hour before the service, from 10-11am, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Deborah’s memory may be made to: Stark County Humane Society, 5100 Peach St NE, Louisville, OH 44641. Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330)456-4766