Deborah Ann Ramp Gerber

Deborah Ann Ramp Gerber age 73, of Cary, Illinois and formerly of Algonquin, Illinois passed away at the Ignite Medical Resort in McHenry, Illinois on August 28, 2024 with her daughter by her side. She was born in Portland, Oregon on June 5, 1951, the daughter of Wilbur and Gerd (Johnson) Ramp.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Kimberly (Joseph) McCamant; her grandson, Sean McCamant; her sister, Karen (Sai) Farahnik; her sisters-in-law Barbara Gerber and Andrea Pripps. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and loved ones.

In addition to her parents, Deborah was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, John Colin Gerber.

Upon graduating from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, Deb began a highly successful career as television journalist. With Channel 13 News in Rockford, IL, she proudly anchored one of the very first all-female news teams in the Nation. She also balanced motherhood with advocacy efforts with National Organization of Women, careers in communications including with Swedish American Hospital and research on behalf of the Department of Energy.

Deb was a fearless adventurer at heart, and she found her kindred spirit in her husband John. Their adventures included flying, motorcycle rides in the summers, snowmobiling in the winters of the Midwest and, scuba diving throughout the Caribbean. One of her greatest passions was sailing and they ultimately achieved their dream of retiring in the Caribbean living aboard their sailing vessel, Sea Witch, for a magical 9 years.

Although their return to the United States in 2009 was due to her cancer diagnosis, Deb found one of her life’s greatest joys in watching her grandson Sean grow into a fine young man. An extremely proud grandmother, Deb and her husband John, enjoyed attending his school and sporting events.

Deb will be remembered for her infallible strength as she battled her own cancer and cared for her husband John through his own journey, fighting cancer and Parkinson’s disease. A fierce friend, Deb enjoyed volunteering to host gatherings and celebrations and making the most of every day. Her light and laughter were contagious, and her spirit will continue to burn bright for all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ocean Conservancy at www.oceanconservancy.org or World Central Kitchen https://wck.org/donate

Cremation rites were held privately. Arrangements entrusted with Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Algonquin.

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