Debra R. Mayer, 66, of Rochelle, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, April 18, 2022, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. She was born April 26, 1955, in Rockford, the daughter of Frank and Edna (Olivier) Alfano. She married Paul H. Mayer on June 27, 1992 in Rochelle.

Deb lived most of her life in Rochelle. She graduated from RTHS in 1973. She worked as a bus driver, first for the Hauser-Ross Eye Institute and then for the Rochelle Schools. Deb cared deeply about the students and patients she drove. She loved to garden, paying special attention to her flowers. She loved being outdoors, especially by the swimming pool, and loved spending time with family and friends. Deb was a true matriarch of the family. She enjoyed making crafts and was well known for "craft day." Deb was an excellent cook who was also well known for "ravioli day," which she and loved ones would make from scratch. She enjoyed cooking for family around the holidays and cherished everyone being together. Family meant everything to her and she particularly doted on her grandkids, nieces, and nephews.

Deb is survived by her husband, Paul; three children, Alex (Crystal) Dodson, Matthew Dodson, and David (Lorri) Mayer; five grandchildren, Courtney Dodson, Brooke Dodson, Amber (Matthew) Wittenauer, Ally (Jeremy) Bagg, and Paige Meyer; four great-grandchildren, Autumn, Bentley, Chesney, and Hayden; seven siblings, Rod (Karen) Alfano, Dana (Renee) Alfano, Dina (John) Bearrows, Gary Isley, Doug (Connie) Wood, Julie (Bill) Fox, and Cathy (Jim) Watson; numerous nieces and nephews; and step-father, Ralph Papke.

Deb is preceded in death by her father, Frank Alfano; mother, Edna Papke; step-mother Hazel Alfano; step-father, Lee Isley, daughter, Nicole Mayer; and grandson, Kyle Mayer.

Visitation will be from 5-8 P.M. Friday, April 22, 2022, at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St. in Rochelle.

Funeral service will be at 11 A.M. Saturday, April 23, 2022, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rochelle with Pastor Matthew Rosebrock officiating. Additional visitation will be from 10 A.M. until the time of the service at the church. Cremation care will be provided after the services. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Deb's memory may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established. Please visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.