Debra A. "Deb" Helmick, age 66, of Washington, Iowa, died Monday, March 14, 2022, at her residence following a sudden illness.

Celebration of life services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 21, 2022, at the United Presbyterian Church with Pastor Erin Kaye officiating. Calling hours will begin noon Sunday, March 20th at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will be present to receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date in the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for Paws and More Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be sent for Deb's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com

Deb was born March 12, 1956, in Ft. Madison, Iowa, the daughter of James Vincent and Donna Faye (Lepp) Arnold. She graduated from Burlington High School in Burlington, Iowa, and attended the University of Iowa. Deb received her Associates Degree from Southeastern Community College in Burlington. She was united in marriage to Jack Duane Helmick on December 12, 1986.

Deb worked as the Administrator for the County Home in Bloomfield, Iowa, before moving to Washington in 1988. She was a Coordinator for Systems Unlimited in Washington from 1988 until 2000 when health forced her retirement. She was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church where she participated in United Presbyterian Women. She was a Master Gardener and enjoyed being outside. Deb was a member of the Washington Concert Association and enjoyed music, especially attending concerts with her child, Jamie. Deb was an animal lover and enjoyed caring for her cat and dog.

She is survived by her child, Jamie Helmick of Iowa City, Iowa; son, John Helmick of Des Moines, Iowa; daughter, Catherine Willis and husband Marshall of Lester Prairie, Minnesota; son, Joshua Helmick and wife Jenny of Danville, Iowa; daughter, Jaclyn Bernand of Burlington, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Kel Helmick, Shelby Russell, Madison Helmick, Britnie Helmick, Ethan Bernand, Bethannie Bernand and Harlan Bernand; boyfriend, Dennis Andreessen of Corwith, Iowa; four sisters: Christy Coleman of Gosport, Indiana; Theresa Ford and husband Robert of Columbus, Ohio; Machelle Arnold and husband John of Chicago, Illinois; Rita Herrig and husband Gary of Mason City, Iowa; and her furry companions, Kuki and Puff.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jack.