Deborah Dawn Bader

Deborah Dawn Bader of Greenwood passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. She was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on February 7, 1961.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband, David Bader; her son, Chris Bader and daughter-in-law, Nicole; two cherished grandchildren, Peyton and Parker; her father, John Dobbins and stepmother, Julia; her mother, Anita Dobbins; her sister, Lisa Leonard and brother-in-law, Steve; her brother, Tim Dobbins and his wife, Janie; her sister, Jenny Burbidge and brother-in-law, Cory; her brother-in-law, Greg Bader and his wife, Penny; her sister-in-law, Terri Smith and her husband, Rusty; and numerous nieces and nephews who adored her. She was preceded in death by her son, John Thomas Bader.

Debbie dedicated her life to helping other people. Her passion was working as a labor and delivery nurse, NICU and pediatrics at Mercy Fort Smith. She touched countless lives with her compassion and skill. She retired as the Director of Nursing for Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, leaving behind a legacy of care and leadership. She loved her grandkids with her whole heart and was so proud of them. She knew how precious life was and never wasted an opportunity to have fun with her family and friends. She lived life to the fullest. Debbie was the heart and soul of her family, and she will be greatly missed. We can find comfort knowing she is finally free from all pain and suffering, reunited with her son, John in Heaven.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 25 at The Loft at Stone Oak, 3411 Old Chismville Rd. in Greenwood with burial at Liberty Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Visitation will be Monday from 1 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Matt Moser, Rusty Smith, Hayden Smith, Garrett Smith, Colt Rogers and Bob Oliver.