Deborah Ann (Delp) Gidley, 67, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 26, 2026 at the Ernestine M. Raclin House for Hospice, Mishawaka, IN.
Debi was born on October 8th, 1958 in Plymouth, IN to Richard and Karen (Apple) Delp. She attended Plymouth High School, graduating with the class of 1977. She then attended Ball State University. Debi befriended a group of girls while attending school. They held a special place in her heart, from their lunches to attending concerts together. She always looked forward to getting together with them.
On May 19th, 1979, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, she married Mark James Gidley. They briefly made their home in Michigan before returning to Plymouth to raise their children.
Debi worked for her family's business, Delp Electric, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, The Crosswalk, Encore Performing Arts, WIC of Marshall County, and First United Church of Christ. She and her sister, Michele, also made and decorated wedding cakes. Debi made the best buttercream icing (always making sure to send home extras to her son-in-law.)
Debi fought a courageous battle against cancer, never letting it slow her down. Even until the end, she did not let cancer keep her from what she loved most, her family, friends, and her volunteer work. Volunteering was not something that Debi just did; it was who she was. She spent countless hours making “ham salad” sandwiches for blood mobiles, running fundraisers, bringing the arts to Plymouth, and helping make the cancer journey a little easier for Marshall County residents.
She was a proud member of Delta Theta Tau Sorority-Zeta Zeta Chapter. Even during her last days, she wanted to know who the new national president was going to be. While in Delts, she served as President, Treasurer, Guard, Province Convention Chair, and helped to chair several of Delt’s philanthropic events. In June of this year, Debi stepped down as acting president of the Cancer Association of Marshall County. Even through her own battles with cancer, she attended meetings and continued to help those fighting the same fight right here in Marshall County. She was a member of the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, president of Plymouth High School Athletic Booster Club, and St. Joseph Hospital-Plymouth Campus Auxiliary.
Though she found immense joy in her volunteer work, nothing could compare to the joy and pride she had for her children and grandchildren. Until cancer made her too weak to attend events, she made it her mission to attend as many of her grandchildren’s events as she could. Her family will forever cherish the videos they have of Debi being heard over everyone else cheering for her grandkids. Debi was the epitome of Nana and her passing leaves a large void in the lives of her kids and grandkids, who always looked forward to looking up and seeing Nana in the stands.
Survivors include: her husband of 47 years: Mark, children Matthew (Lisa) Gidley, Maryland, Shannon (Andy) McGuire Tipton, IN. Grandchildren Branson, Emersyn, Madeline, Irelynn, Albin, Anderson, Kade, and Rhys. Her brother, Michael (Judy) Delp, David (Pam) Delp, brother-in-law, Don Wendel, special brother Marcelo (Darlene) Suvelza, Aunt Carol “Susie” Ammerman, Aunt Shirley Ball, mother-in-law, Shirley Gidley, brother-in-law Brian (Cheryl) Gidley, her little “sister” Kelly Redinger, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is proceeded in death by her parents Richard and Karen Delp, father- in- law, Jerry Gidley, and sister Michele Wendel.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026 from 4-7PM at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563. Debi will be honored at 7PM in a ceremony by the Delta Theta Tau Sorority.
On Saturday, August 8, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church, a eulogy from the Gidley Family will be shared at 11:45AM with Mass of Christian Burial being held at 12PM with Fr. Fernando Jimenez officiating.
Debi will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Plymouth.
The family would like to thank Dr. Deborah Sanders, Dr. Anita Turk, her research assistant Pranav (IU Simon Cancer Center), Dr. Khan at Michiana Hematology Oncology, Center for Hospice, Tri-County Ambulance Service, and the countless nurses, aides, and healthcare workers who took care of Debi during her cancer journey.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorial contributions be made in Debi’s honor to Delta Theta Tau Sorority to benefit the Cancer Association of Marshall County. In the spirit of Debi’s passion for volunteerism, please consider donating an hour of your time to a charity organization in need.
Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with Debi’s care. Condolences can be left for the family at www.johnson-danielson.com
