Deborah Zartman Smith

Deborah Zartman (Shoffstall) Smith, 73, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania died at home on Monday, January 20, 2025. A lifelong resident of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Deborah was born at Lancaster General Hospital to the late Pauline (Zartman) and Elvin Haupt Shoffstall in 1951. A graduate of Manheim Township High School, Deborah went on to attend Marshall University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She worked for 25 years at various jobs throughout Intermediate Unit 13, pausing for 10 years to devote herself to her children – she was often Homeroom Mom and never missed a game or special event. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Conestoga Country Club, and the Lancaster Junior League. The First Presbyterian Church played an important role in her life. Her children were baptized there, and she and Andy’s wedding was the first wedding ever to take place in the church garden. Throughout her devotion to her faith, Deb took on many roles within the church – a member of the Cradle Roll, Sunday School Teacher, and Deacon. She lived her faith and loved her family and friends. They were the most important part of her life. Everyone who met her considered her a friend and she had a way about her that made everyone feel like the most important person in the world. A modern-day Snow White, all animals loved her as much as she loved them. Whether feeding her birds, chipmunks, and squirrels or always having treats for passing by dogs, her favorites remained her granddogs, Chase and Cooper. Above all, Deb was known for her kindness, generosity, and her ability to brighten up anyone’s day. She was a devoted wife, an extraordinary mother, and the ultimate Grandma/Mom-Mom. Her sunny disposition matched her love of the beach, spending many summers at Dewey Beach creating lifelong memories. An avid and thoughtful shopper, Deb was the queen of deals and had a knack for knowing what to buy for those she loved. A self-proclaimed Domestic Goddess, Deb’s home was always a warm and welcoming place for family and friends alike. Her grandkids will cherish their memories of holidays spent decorating gingerbread houses and gumdrop trees, having cousin sleepovers, and laughter-filled family games of Blitz. Deb was survived by her loving husband of 44 years, B. Andrew Smith; her children: Blakely Minton and husband Michael of Wallingford, PA, Jessica McCullion and husband Patrick of Springfield, PA, and Ryan Smith of Lancaster, PA; her grandchildren: Harper, Emrey, Madeline, and Finley; her brother, David Shoffstall; and her nieces and nephews: Paul Joseph Sladecek, Cindy Flanagan, Kelly Martin, Joshua Shoffstall, and Jilli Shoffstall. Family and friends are invited to attend a service at First Presbyterian Church, 140 E. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Center or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center.