Deborah Ann Stumberg Lerner died peacefully on September 24, 2026, surrounded at home by her family, after a short battle with brain cancer.

Deborah was born on August 25, 1949, in Sanderson, to Stephen Linden Stumberg Jr. and Dorothy Mae Garrett Stumberg. She grew up in Marathon with her five siblings and spent her childhood surrounded by the wide-open spaces of West Texas, the family ranch, books, music, and countless adventures.

A gifted student, Deborah graduated as valedictorian of Marathon High School in 1966 at the age of 16. She attended Sul Ross State University, earning a degree in Biology/Botany and Mathematics in 1969. She went on to become a computer programmer, systems analyst, and project manager, learning FORTRAN, BASIC, and Assembly language at White Sands Missile Range. There she met David Lerner, and they married on July 4, 1970, eventually settling in Phoenix and raising three sons: Joshua, Benjamin, and Samuel. For them, she was a devoted mother, a fierce advocate, an exceptional caregiver, and an endless source of unconditional love and support, never hesitating to put their needs before her own. Eventually, she was blessed with three grandchildren, Sarah, Hailey, and Robert, and she truly treasured her new role as Grandma and matriarch.

Along with family, faith was a constant cornerstone of Deborah’s life. Drawn to church from childhood, she answered her call to God later in life. At 44, and with three school-aged children at home, she began her studies at Arizona State University, became the first commuter student at Claremont School of Theology in Los Angeles, and was ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1995. Her ensuing journey of faith and service included stops at Paradise Valley, Trinity United, Spirit of Hope, Gilbert, and Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Churches. She believed deeply in the presence of God in our lives, the transformative power of faith, and the healing power of prayer. She loved the people she served, and saw her ministry not as a profession, but as a privilege, one for which she was eternally grateful.

Deborah lived a remarkable life and leaves a legacy of unconditional love, devotion, and selfless service to her family, her church, and her community that will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Deborah at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 7, at 11 a.m.