Debra K. Maltby

Debra K (Melquist, Steinhour) Maltby, formerly of Rockford, passed away April 5, 2022 in Sebring, FL. She was born September 2, 1953 to Donald and Dorothy (Nelson) Melquist in Rockford, IL. Debra graduated from Jefferson High School in 1972 and worked at Swedish American Hospital. She eventually found a love for cooking and went on to work at several restaurants over the years including Rerun’s in Rockford. Debra married Barry Maltby, the love of her life, on January 24, 1995. Through the years they enjoyed living in numerous locations throughout the United States, where they had the opportunity to travel and make many new friends. They retired to Sebring, Florida in 2009. Debra enjoyed cooking and gardening with a special fondness for flowers and butterflies. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her beloved pet cats. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
Debra is survived by her children, Jeni (David) Shedbalkar and John (Tina) Steinhour, and grandchildren, Tori Olson, and Jilliyn and John Steinhour, Jr. along with step-daughter and granddaughter, Genevieve and Elizabeth Maltby. Other survivors include sister, Donna (James) Linhart, brother, Dale (Janice) Melquist, cousin, Dana Rogers (Bart Naglestad), brother-in-law, Neal Steinhour, and mother-in-law, Joyce Steinhour, along with numerous nieces, nephews, second cousins, extended family, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Dorothy Melquist; husband, Barry Maltby; sister, Denise Melquist; cousins, Lynette Vitale, Sally Anderson, and Joyce Anderson. She was also preceded by Michael Steinhour and John Steinhour.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 5:30 – 6:30 at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd Street, Rockford, IL. Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial use to be determined or in Debra’s honor to an animal rescue/sanctuary of your choosing. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. Please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com to express condolences and share memories.