Obituaries

Deborah Sue Butler, age 75, passed away on January 29, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Florence after battling pulmonary fibrosis. She was born on January 5, 1951, in Covington, Kentucky to the late Howard Ball and Marjorie Brady Fulmer. Debbie attended Newport High School and graduated in 1969. She married Michael D. Butler on July 3, 1969. They have celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Michael Butler, brothers Bob Fulmer and Mike Fulmer, sister Allora (Ken) Ransom, and children Mike (Ami) Butler and Mandi (David) Grome. She took great pride in her grandkids – Bradley (Kaelynn), Jake, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Austin, Cassidy, and great grandson Levi.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather Robert Fulmer, brother Del (Linda) Ball, and sisters Linda (Don) McQueen and Robin Fulmer.

Debbie made a career in printing, working at Merten Printing for many years. All her fellow co-workers became her extended family.

Her life was rooted in family, and the many friends she welcomed as family along the way. She took care of everyone and always put others before herself. Debbie could always be found at the bingo hall or the local quarter auction and was always up for playing a game of cards. She loved her Kentucky Wildcats basketball. She was an animal lover at heart and will be missed by her sweet little Bella.

Debbie’s wishes were to be laid to rest privately. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ways-to-give/honor-and-memorial-giving/create-a-tribute/tribute-program.