It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Deborah Elizabeth Kettles on
November 2, 2021. Waiting to greet her was her father, George, Uncles Jack and Warren and
Aunt Marion. Remaining here to continue her story are her husband John Kettles, mother Joan
Beznoski, sons Jason (Becky) and Jody, grandchildren Jack, Piper, and Finn, brother Jamie
(Heather), nephew and niece Ben and Samantha, cousins Torrie, Kim, and Brad and their
families, and all of the people who were touched by her kind eyes and beautiful smile.
Debbie was born on April 21st, 1954 and began her life in Winnipeg. As a young child,
she moved to Milner Ridge where, as the first baby in the family, she was doted on by her uncles
and grand parents, Joseph and Alice Visca. Debbie had fond memories of her youth in the tiny
hamlet, often reminiscing about her attendance at Milner’s one-room schoolhouse and her
favourite childhood toy, a backyard rock outcropping that she imagined to be her rocking horse.
After Grade 8, Debbie attended LdBSS and became the first member of her family to
graduate. She was a clever and dedicated student. Debbie married her high school sweetheart and
from this union came her two beautiful boys and a life of service to others. She served our
community as a radio dispatcher at MNR, sales associate at Pioneer and Robinsons stores,
personal care aide at the PCH, bookkeeper for Kay Insurance, and, most memorably, as a store
manager and support worker at Mrs. Lucci’s Resource Centre. It was here that Debbie welcomed
all people into her midst offering them the dignity, respect, kindness, love, value, and belonging
they needed and deserved.
Debbie had very special relationships with her family. She married the love of her life
and personal chauffeur, John, in 2005. You never saw one without the other. Joan tagged along
on every road trip through town or down the highway. Debbie spoke with her baby brother often
across the distance that separated them and planned something special for every in-person visit.
She fulfilled her role as leader, care giver, and oldest cousin of the Visca brat pack. She never
missed a Sunday night or holiday family dinner and brought her famous meatballs every time.
She was her sons’ staunchest guardian, supporter, and protector. Their angel.
In the end, Debbie’s greatest love was her three grandchildren. She spent a great deal of
time telling them stories, watching cartoons, making lunches, watching hockey games and dance
routines, and telling everyone who would listen that her grandchildren were the smartest, fastest,
and best looking kids in town. They will miss their Nan terribly.
Dearest Deb, “your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond
words, and missed beyond measure.”
A private Celebration of Life will take place in Milner Ridge next summer. If you would
like to memorialize Debbie, please consider making a donation to the Lac du Bonnet Arena in
her name.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Deborah Kettles Tuesday November 2nd 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Oakbank, Province: Manitoba