Debra Elfrink

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Debra Jane Elfrink, nee Russell, 67, of O’Fallon, IL, born October 11, 1953, in Hutchinson, KS, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 24, 2021, in St. Louis, MO, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Elfrink was an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL.  She was also a member of the St. Ann’s Altar Sodality, was involved with Marriage Encounter, and was a foster parent with Catholic Family Services for many years.  Above all, Debbie’s family was the most important thing to her; she loved her kids and her grandkids and the many nieces and nephews she had. She also loved camping, especially her annual trips to Gulf Shores, AL, and central Missouri, traveling on vacations, especially to the beach, following the St. Louis Cardinals, and playing games of all kinds with family and friends.  She will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hershel and Patricia, nee Bennett, Russell; and a sister, Janice Davidson.

Surviving are her dear husband of 48 years, Stephen Elfrink, whom she married March 24, 1973; two daughters, Stephanie (Jamie Wottowa) Elfrink and Pamela Parker; a son, Thomas Elfrink; her grandchildren, Vivian and Samuel Elfrink, Brandon, Dean, and Molly Parker, Zahra and Orion Elfrink, and Baby Boy Elfrink on the way; a sister, Joyce (Fred) Jones; two brothers, Terry Russell and Steve (Lisa) Russell; a brother-in-law, Don Davidson; many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL, or to Illinois Right to Life. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation & Funeral: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL, with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11 a.m. with Fr. James Nall officiating.

Private burial services will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

Standard CDC guidelines, including masks, social distancing, and a limited number of visitors at any one time will be observed at church.

Condolences:

33 Comments on Debra Elfrink

Teresa & Ed Tenholder said : Guest Report May 08, 2021 at 11:27 AM

Steve and family, Wow we just found about Debbie passing from Corrinne, so unexpected, God will get you through this, we send our heart felt love !

  • St Charles
  • MO
Carol Geluck said : Guest Report May 01, 2021 at 7:04 PM

Steve, Pam, Stephanie and Family- My heart is still breaking at the loss of Deb. She was such a passionate and vibrant lady. Prayers continue.

  • Swansea
  • IL
Craig and Karen Williams said : Guest Report Apr 30, 2021 at 11:30 AM

Steve and family, So sorry to hear of Debra's passing. You both were in our thoughts often. We will never forget you both. The love you had for each other made one heck of a lasting impression on us. Take care. May God grant you peace and show his love through those around you.

  • ELIZABETHTOWN
  • pa
Ginger Krieger said : Guest Report Apr 29, 2021 at 8:28 PM

Matt and I are heartbroken over this. Our hearts break for Steve, Pam, Stephanie, Jamie, Tom, all the grandchildren and all the family. We absolutely loved having Steve, Debbie, Pam, Dean and Molly as our neighbors for the last four years and we were so sad to leave and now this. I’ll always remember Debbie and Steve out in their yard always hard at work or cleaning their RV getting ready for another family fun camping trip. You guys treated us like family. You’ll never know how much I loved having you guys as neighbors! The fun nights around the fire pit in the street. Halloween was always fun. So many memories. My condolences to you all. We were all so fortunate to have known sweet and beautiful Debbie. I miss you all!

  • Naples
  • FL
Kathy Mann said : Guest Report Apr 29, 2021 at 10:50 AM

Stephanie - My thoughts and prayers to you and family. Please take care.

  • Wright city
  • Missouri
Mike Bassler said : Guest Report Apr 27, 2021 at 2:52 PM

Sorry for your loss. Debra was a wonderful person. Prayers for all your family at this difficult time. Mike & Marianne Bassler

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Rebecca Schweiss said : Guest Report Apr 27, 2021 at 9:51 AM

Stephanie and Jamie, may God's loving embrace hold you and keep you during this sorrowful time. My heart goes out to the Elfrink family. Your mother/wife/grandmother/friend was a beautiful soul and shines through the love of your family.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Jim & Kate Shively said : Guest Report Apr 27, 2021 at 9:39 AM

We are so sorry to see this news. She was a ray of sunlight in our world and will be missed. Thinking of all her family in our prayers.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Yvonne (Lanter) Johnson said : Guest Report Apr 27, 2021 at 6:13 AM

Dear Steve and the entire Elfrink family, We are so sorry for your loss. Debbie's kind heart and joyful soul will be missed. May the love of family, friends and strength from God provide comfort during this difficult time. God's blessings to all. Yvonne and Rick Johnson

  • Cherry Valley
  • Illinois
Robert Teichler said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 9:51 PM

Steve - Joyce and I send our sincerest condolences to you and your family on Deb's passing. She was a great fellow employee to work with and she will be sorely missed.

  • Swansea
  • IL
frank cange said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 7:46 PM

Steve: So sorry for Debra's passing. I remember both of you from the choir at St Augustine's and when you left the parish to move to Holy Trinity in Fairview. I will keep your family in my prayers

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Pamela Bryan Williams said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 5:01 PM

Dear Stephanie and family - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You have my prayers for peace and comfort as you walk this journey. My heart is with you. Pam BW

  • Saint Charles
  • MO
Martha Harbaugh said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 3:54 PM

I have heard that when all is said and done, we are all here to help walk each other home. That makes me feel better when we arrive home sooner than anticipated. Hugs all around.

  • Saint Louis
  • MO
Tracey Triplett said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 3:01 PM

Amy and I are so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you both.

  • Eureka
  • Missouri
Cherie Fister said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 2:21 PM

René and I send our condolences to the entire Elfrink Family. To Stephanie and Jamie, our love and prayers. We're holding you close.

  • St. Louis
  • Missouri
Nina Caldwell said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 2:00 PM

My condolences to the family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  • St. Louis
  • MO
David & Antheia Dickerson said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 11:35 AM

Always a smile in heart as big as the one on her face! She loved her God and family to her highest! My God send a band of angels to comfort and give peace to those she loved until they meet her again, by Gods side! May she watch diligently over her sweet family! All in the the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!?✝️?

  • Wasilla
  • Alaska
Mary Ellen Finch said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 9:52 AM

Stephanie..I am so very sorry about your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Jamie.

  • St. Louis
  • Missouri
Connie Jean Goyda said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 9:44 AM

Mr. Elfrink and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. You had a dog named Oreo and he was very sweet to me when you lived on Lisa Lane. Debbie was always saying sure come on over before our meeting and you can take the dog for a walk or just play with him. Debbie was one of my favorite folks from St. Augustine’s Parish. I am Raymond & Alice Marie Goyda’s daughter. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

  • Belleville
  • Il
Beth Wegrzyn said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 9:06 AM

So very sorry for your loss Steve and family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. Deb is up in heaven teasing Ick and Rosie for sure.

  • Fairview Heights
  • Illinois
Anita Radcliffe said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 9:04 AM

I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sadness. I send my deepest condolences.

  • Webster Groves
  • MO
Maryann & Gary Sullivan said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 8:38 AM

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beautiful wife/ mom.

  • Collinsville
  • Il
Jane said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 7:31 AM

Steve and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Praying God gives you the strength to help you all through this most difficult time. Deb, Rest In Peace. You will be so missed. ??

  • Fairview Heights
  • Il
Lynne Redden said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 6:56 AM

Lynne and Matt. I am so so sorry for your loss. Please know I am praying to the Lord for him to put his loving arms around the family, and give you strengths through this time. God bless you all. Love Lynne Ann and Don. ?.

  • Marion
  • Illinois
Jen McCluskey said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2021 at 6:17 AM

Sending my deepest condolences, prayers, and love to your family.

  • Ballwin
  • MO
Rose Tanner said : Guest Report Apr 25, 2021 at 11:45 PM

Holy Trinity will miss Debbie dearly. She was always so friendly to us at church and at all the school functions. Her smile was sincere. Her heart was big. We are praying for you all, Pam and family.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Patty Lystad said : Guest Report Apr 25, 2021 at 11:10 PM

We grew up with many fond memories of Steve and Debbie, along with the rest of the Elfrink family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With sympathy, The Sanders Family

  • Port Orchard
  • Wa
Amy Polley said : Guest Report Apr 25, 2021 at 10:26 PM

God bless the family may God provide comfort at this time of sorrow. Amy Polley

  • Middle River
  • MD
Marla Cushman said : Guest Report Apr 25, 2021 at 9:45 PM

I enjoyed serving on TEC with Debbie. My sympathy to all the family. Keep telling stories to the grandkids.

  • Chester
  • Il
Neil and Zack Wiegand said : Guest Report Apr 25, 2021 at 9:17 PM

Our family grieves with you! All out love!

  • Seattle
  • WA
Kathy Cerneka said : Guest Report Apr 25, 2021 at 8:49 PM

Prayers from my family to yours. Was saddened to hear of your loss. Debbie was such a lovely and kind woman. God bless all of you.

  • Belleville
  • IL
John, Sandy, JT and Alyssa Krupp said : Guest Report Apr 25, 2021 at 8:21 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Debbie was a wonderful person in every way. We are so sad. Love to you Steve, Stephanie, Pam and Tom.

  • Fairview Heights
  • IL
Gary and Sharon Lutes said : Guest Report Apr 25, 2021 at 8:01 PM

Steve you have been our thoughts and prayers. There are no words at a time like this and nothing anyone can say to take your pain and loss away, but just know you have friends and family most most of all you have God’s loving arms to support you. When you think you cannot go on, God will be with you to get you through. We love you all

  • Glanallen
  • Mo

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