Deborah Sue Small

Deborah Sue (Buske) Small, age 74, passed away on April 7, 2026 in Springfield, IL.
She was born on May 7, 1951 in Atlanta, Georgia, the eldest daughter to the late Harold Edward Buske and Betty Catherine (Davenport). Deborah married the love of her life Roy Lee Small on March 21, 1970 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Illinois. They shared 56 years of marriage through multiple moves around the world due to Roy’s career in the Army before settling in Mt. Zion, Illinois for retirement. They were blessed with two daughters and adopted their youngest granddaughter.
She is survived by her husband, Roy, her daughters, Cherish Pageau (James) of Kansas City, Missouri, Donja Small of Oconee, Illinois, her granddaughters, Katherine Jane Parr (fiancée Matthew Hennigan) of Superior, Colorado, Elizabeth Renee Rich (fiancée Jordan King) of Urbana, IL, and Resmiranda Elaine Small of Oconee, Illinois. She is further survived by many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Melodie Davis.
She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Pana, Illinois. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education from Lakeland in 2004. Her talents in the arts and crafts brought her grandchildren great joy during the many hours bonding.
She will be dearly missed by her family and will be remembered for all the adventures she took us on.
Cremation rites were afforded and a Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 105 in Decatur, IL on May 23, 2026 from 10 am to noon.