Deborah Kay Thinnes

Deborah Kay Thinnes passed peacefully on April 30^th, 2026, at N.C.H Hospital, in Naples FL.

She was the beloved wife of Kenneth S. Thinnes for 52 years. The devoted Mother of her children, Cheryl Napier, Matthew Thinnes, and Angela Young. Loving sister to Nancy McFarland and Karen Perales, and late brothers-in-law, Douglas McFarland and Robert Smith, and adoring Grandmother to Kaiden Napier, Juliette Thinnes, and Nathaniel Young.

Debbie loved her husband Ken very, very much. As teenagers they met when Ken offered her and her friends a ride home from cheer practice in his swanky, white, convertible with red leather seats. They fell in love. She enjoyed telling stories about their dates spent at Frisch’s, laughing over burgers, onion rings, and chocolate cake. She loved her chocolate cake! She also loved reminiscing about High School days, having fun with her best friends, Elaine, Cindy, and Libby, and cheering her honey punkin’ Kenny on at football games and track meets.

Another love of Debbie’s life was her children. She drove across the Midwest taking them to tennis tournaments, cheerleading, and dance competitions. She was their biggest fan, celebrating their wins and supporting them through their losses. At home, she cared for them when they were sick and boy did she feed them!  Thursdays were left-over nights, humorlessly called “pick-a-winner” dinners. But look out if you asked for a snack after dinner; she did not find that amusing at all! To some, she was just Debbie but to her kids she was super Mom and we were truly blessed to have her.

               Debbie was not only a wife, mom, sister, and friend, she worked as an RMA in Pediatrics for Dr. Deblasis. She brought comfort to many children and their families.

               She was also an artist. She was interested in watercolor painting from a young age. It first caught her attention in 1^st grade at Clovernook Elementary, NCH and she continued to grow and become an established entrepreneur of Deborah’s Watercolor Paintings. Originating in Cincinnati OH, until she moved to Naples FL, in 2012. The birds and colorful scenery of the Sunshine state inspired her. Locals were fond of Debbie. Not only of her artwork but also of her caring nature and sense of humor. She was fun to be around.

               Heaven received an Angel on April 30^th and she will be missed very much. We take comfort though in each other, our memories, and when the sun is through the clouds, we can look up and see her. An Angel in the sky shining down on us.

Join us for the Celebration of Life on Friday, July 31^st at 9:30am to 11:30am at Arlington Memorial Gardens Lakeside Mausoleum Chapel. We ask guests to exit at the conclusion of the service. Just the immediate family will proceed to the Chapel Mausoleum to complete the ceremony. Thank you for your love and support during this difficult time.  

The family requests that the Honor or Memorial Contribution be made to the charity of your choice, Moffit.org/donate or also call 1-800-456-3434 ext. 1403 or AmericanCancerSociety.org or also call 1-800-227-2345