Deborah Ann “Debbie” (VanDevander) Savage, 70, of Summers School Road, Morgantown, passed unexpectedly of natural causes on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at her home.
Debbie was born at Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown on July 5, 1952, daughter to French and Vella Sponaugle VanDevander, of Morgantown.
Debbie graduated from Morgantown High School in 1970, and from WVU with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 1974, a master’s degree in reading in 1978 and a master’s degree in learning disabilities in 1982.
She taught in the Mon County School system for more than 35 years in a variety of roles, including special education, reading and math. She had a passion for teaching, especially as a reading interventionist, and even after she officially retired, she returned to the classroom in various positions, including as a substitute and homebound teacher and was employed by RESA VII.
Debbie loved to travel and plan trips, especially cruises; through the years, she visited Hawaii, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, California, Yosemite and Yellowstone parks, Las Vegas, Mexico, Panama, the Bahamas, Bermuda, numerous Caribbean islands, many East Coast beaches and many more. A few years ago, she was thrilled to cross the Atlantic to visit France, Scotland and Belgium.
She absolutely adored spending time in her flower beds each spring and even took master gardener classes to improve her green thumb. In addition to flowers, she also loved to grow a garden each year, providing friends and family with a plethora of vegetables.
Debbie loved to entertain. Having parties at her house and being surrounded by her loved ones was always where she wanted to be. She adored holidays, especially Christmas, and would decorate the house and table with an impressive display of decor and food.
She also served on the Celebration of America Committee to help plan Morgantown’s Fourth of July festivities for a couple years and packed shoeboxes every year for Operation Christmas Child. Debbie spent time with her former colleagues through her teacher retirement group that met monthly for lunch.
Her deep love for animals led her to animal organizations, and Debbie worked diligently as a volunteer for Mountaineer Spay Neuter Assistance Program, helping to price and stock items at the ReTails store in the Morgantown Mall for many years. Her steadfast support of this organization will leave an everlasting impact on efforts to control pet overpopulation in Monongalia County.
Debbie is survived by her husband of more than 45 years, Dan Allen Savage; one loving daughter, Amanda Savage Posey and husband Jason, of Morgantown; a special niece, Sharon VanDevander, of Fort Myers, Fla.; special great-nephews Ryan Elliff and fiancée Jackie, of Maryland, and Josh Elliff, of Alabama; numerous other nieces and nephews; her beloved dog, Georgie, adored granddogs, Scout and Scooby; and other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, French and Vella VanDevander; two brothers, Albert Jennings VanDevander and wife Dorothy, of Rockville, Md., and Doug VanDevander Sr. and wife Birdie, of Morgantown.
The family will receive friends at the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home, from 10 a.m. until the time of services at noon on Monday, Sept. 5, with the Rev. Eric Kendall officiating. She will be laid to rest at the Nicholson Chapel Cemetery.
Flowers will be graciously accepted, or you may consider donating to Mountaineer Spay Neuter Assistance Program, P.O. Box 4335, Morgantown, WV 26504.
Condolences:
www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
