Debbie Ann Varnold, 67, of Galesburg, died peacefully at home with her family by her side on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Debbie was born in Galesburg, Illinois on July 5, 1958, the daughter of Austin Joseph and Irene Opal (Martin) O’Malley. Debbie graduated from Galesburg High School and received her AAS in coding from Robert Morris College in Carthage, Illinois. On June 23, 1979, Debbie married Richard Dean Varnold in Galesburg.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 46 years, Richard of Galesburg; three children, Erin (Jeff) Asher of Abingdon, Illinois, Jacob Varnold and Michael Varnold both of Galesburg; three grandchildren, Kiley Cozad, Elyssa Cozad, and Haydyn Woods; three step grandchildren, Gero Lewis, Josh Asher, and Katy Asher; and six step great grandchildren. Debbie is also survived by one sister, Patricia Pitman of Knoxville, Illinois; and two brothers, James (Linda) O’Malley of Washington, Illinois and William O’Malley of Galesburg. Along with her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by her twin sister, Sandra Kay O’Malley.

Debbie worked as a coder for over 40 years, spending most of them at Galesburg Cottage Hospital until its closure. She then worked remotely from home until her retirement in 2025.

Debbie enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved to sit in her rocking chair and enjoy a fresh cup of black coffee and reading a good book. Debbie and Richard loved to travel. She was a God-fearing woman and held a strong faith her entire life. More than anything, Debbie loved her family. She was a devoted wife and mother and embraced the role of being a grandma. She always put others first, giving and helping others who needed a hand.

Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Hope Wesleyan Church, 857 N. Farnham St., Galesburg, IL 61401. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church, with Pastor Laura Descalzo officiating. Burial will take place at Sparta Twp. Cemetery, Wataga, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.