Debra Fetko

Debra Rae Fetko, 73, of North Ridgeville, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Ames Family Hospice after a lengthy illness.

She was born July 19, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, and had been a resident of North Ridgeville for the past 37 years, having moved from West Palm Beach, Florida.

Debra devoted her life to caring for others. She began her career as a nurse, providing compassionate care to residents in nursing homes before joining Ford Motor Company in Avon Lake. She worked there for 13 years and retired in 2004. She was a proud member of UAW Local 2000.

While Debra enjoyed gardening, traveling, and searching for treasures at garage sales, her greatest passion was animals. She had a special place in her heart for those who could not speak for themselves and spent much of her life rescuing, caring for, and advocating for animals in need. Whether providing a home, offering comfort, or helping find care for abandoned animals, Debra's kindness and dedication touched countless lives-both human and animal. Her love for animals was not merely a hobby but a defining part of who she was.

Above all else, Debra loved her family deeply. She was a devoted mother and proud grandmother who treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. Her family was the center of her heart, and she found great joy in celebrating their accomplishments and simply being together. The love, guidance, and kindness she shared will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her daughter, Christy Smith of Florida; son, Larry Michael (Tina) Smith of Louisville, Kentucky; grandchildren, Leilani Smith, Kai Craig-Smith, Cory Smith, and Jeremy Smith; great granddaughter, Celeste Smith; and her sister, Sandy Brewer of Vermilion, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Josephine (nee Ozanich) Fetko.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 Noon at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Friendship Animal Protective League of Lorain County, Inc., 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035, in honor of Debra's lifelong commitment to rescuing and caring for animals.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.