Deborah Ruth Knecht, age 69, passed away at home in Brunswick, Georgia, on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Deb was born on March 17, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, to Junior Lee Tayse and Mary Arlene Tayse, both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in Detroit and moved to Portage, Michigan, in 1978, where she built a life centered on family, friends, and community. In 2018, Deb and her husband, Tim, relocated to Brunswick, Georgia, to be near their daughter, son-in-law, and beloved granddaughters.

In 1972, Deb met the love of her life, Tim Knecht, at her sister and brother-in-law's wedding. She was a young bride at 17, marrying her young groom at 20, just over a year later on January 19, 1974. They were married at Plymouth City Hall, beginning a marriage that would last 52 years.

Deb and Tim shared a life marked by love, loyalty, and devotion to family. She is also survived by her daughter Missy Hebner and son-in-law Dan Hebner; grandchildren Macey, Brynn, and Ava Hebner; her son Justin Knecht and daughter-in-law Liz Knecht; and step-grandchildren Alex Lloyd and Sage Lloyd. She is survived by her sister Linda Diane Hoensheid (Mark), along with many in-laws, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her brothers Jerry, Jeff, Joey, and Glen.

Deb attended Romulus High School and spent 25 years as an office manager for a dental practice, where she was known for her dedication, organization, and care for both patients and coworkers.

Known as Deb or Debbie, she was fun-loving, feisty, and fiercely protective of those she loved. She adored babies, was a wonderful cook, and had a deep love for the many dogs who were part of her family over the years. Deb enjoyed crafting and crocheting, loved to read, and could often be found watching home improvement shows or keeping up with her favorite soap operas. She was happiest soaking up the sun by the pool at their Portage home—or anywhere she could be close to the water.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for friends and family in Michigan in the coming months. Additional details will be shared when available.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Hospice of the Golden Isles

• Send checks to: 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525 (Note: Donation in memory of Deb Knecht)

• Phone: 912-265-4735 | Website: https://hospice.me/giving/

Rose Arbor Hospice (Centrica Care)

• Send checks to: 7100 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (Note: Donation to Rose Arbor of Kalamazoo Hospice in memory of Deb Knecht)

• Phone: 888-992-2273 | Website: https://centriccare.org

• Specify: Rose Arbor Hospice of Kalamazoo for Deb Knecht

Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.