71, of Macomb
Debra Ann Nicholson, age 71, of Macomb, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:38 a.m. in Blessing Hospital, Quincy, Illinois.
She was born February 21, 1955, in Quincy, Illinois, to Harry and Geraldine (Tournear) Nicholson.
Debra was a 1973 graduate of Macomb High School. She worked at Methode in Carthage for a number of years, was a resident manager at Samaritan Well in Macomb, and served as a peer mentor at the North Central Behavioral Health Systems in Macomb. She shared her love of family history as a volunteer at the McDonough County Illinois Genealogical Society.
Debra enjoyed many hobbies including baking, crafting, feeding hummingbirds and fishing. She cherished time spent with loved ones and sharing her famous pies. Her greatest joy in life was being “Grandma,” and she loved her grandchildren with her whole heart.
Debra is survived by her son Keith Ellis of Good Hope; daughter-in-law Stacy Ellis of Libertyville; grandchildren Andrew Ellis of Forest Junction WI, Kaylee Ellis of Libertyville, Zoe Ellis of Libertyville, Nash Ellis of Dickson TN, and Annabelle Ellis; brother Gregory Nicholson (Vicki) of Tennessee and Raymond “Butch” Kindhart of OR; sisters Barbara (John) Connor of Tennessee, Brenda Gayler of Brandenburg KY, Donna Mathews of Galesburg, and Pam Burgess (Kirk) of Morton; brother-in-law Thomas Bice of Macomb; sister-in-law Deanna Thompson of Port Orchard WA; and many uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Raymond Kindhart, son Gerald Ellis, brother Michael Thompson, and sister Linda Bice.
Graveside Service: 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the McDonough County Illinois Genealogical Society in Macomb or Blessing Hospice in Quincy. Memorial donations may be made online at memorials.hansenspear.com.
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
