Debra A. Bates, 70, of Lebanon, PA, passed away on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Lebanon, PA, on May 24, 1955, Debra was a daughter of the late John E. and Ruth J. (Hirscbach) Bates.

Debra enjoyed doing crafts, knitting, playing Bingo, and doing things with her best friend, Pam. Deb graduated from Lebanon Senior High School. She worked various jobs, such as being a waitress and taking care of people in their group homes. She was well-liked where she lived and got along with everyone. She will be missed.

She is survived by her sister, Tina Morgan, wife of Kenneth Morgan; nephew, Jason Morgan, and his wife, Michel, and their two children, Kiley and Isaac; niece, Ashley Marburger, wife of Ryan, and their two girls, Alexa and Abigal; brother, John E. Bates Jr., and his two children, Brittany and Bryson, and step-daughter, Danica.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.

At Thompson Funeral Home, four generations of the Thompson family have offered their knowledge, compassion, and experience while serving the families of the Lebanon area for the past 135 years.