Deborah Kirkland Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Deborah Ann (Coder) Kirkland, 73, of East Berlin, who left us on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Hanover Hospital.

    Born on March 10, 1952, in Toledo, Ohio, Deb was the daughter of the late Charles and Barbara (Bauchman) Coder. She was a proud graduate of Roy C. Start High School in Toledo, OH, and she went on to build a remarkable career in the transportation and logistics industry. She worked as an analyst and sales manager for Owens-Illinois, Lily-Tulip, North American Van Lines, and Government Sales Associates before boldly founding and leading her own transportation company, Government Logistics Services.

    Deb’s adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors led her to spend 20 years as a whitewater rafting guide on the New and Gauley Rivers in West Virginia, where she created lifelong memories with friends and thrill-seekers alike.

    She also found joy in life’s simple pleasures. With nimble fingers and a creative heart, she spent countless hours crocheting beautiful pieces that will continue to bring comfort and warmth to those she loved. She was a passionate NASCAR fan, always eager to cheer on her favorite drivers, sharing in the thrill of each race. Her green thumb brought life and beauty to her garden, where she found peace and fulfillment among the flowers and plants she so lovingly tended.  Deb’s compassion extended to animals as well—she had a special bond with her pets and a soft spot for all creatures, always quick to offer kindness and care to those in need.

    Above all, Deb cherished her family and friends. Whether gathered around a table sharing laughter or offering a listening ear, she made everyone feel loved and valued. Her generous heart, quick wit, and gentle smile will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

    Deb is survived by her devoted husband of 32 years, Steve Kirkland, whose love and partnership were the cornerstone of her life. She will be greatly missed by her nieces and nephews, Caitlin, Trina, Elizabeth, James, Dawson, Aiyanna, and Robbie; and countless extended family members and friends, whose lives she enriched.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Denise Ann Coder, brothers, Marc Edward Coder and David Charles Coder.

    A Celebration of Deb’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 29th, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Cocklin Funeral Home, 30 N. Chestnut Street, Dillsburg, PA.  Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the funeral home, one hour prior to the service.

    In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that gifts be made to Canine Rescue of Central PA, P.O. Box 129, Dillsburg, PA 17019 in Deb’s memory, honoring her compassion and love for animals. An online link is listed at the bottom of her obituary page.

    Deb’s legacy of kindness, strength, and adventurous spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

https://www.cocklinfuneralhome.com/obituary/Deborah-Kirkland