Memorials

Debra A. Muniga, 50, died Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, where she was admitted on Monday. She had been battling breast cancer for the past two years.

She was born February 3, 1959, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Norbert and Elizabeth (Tanner) Sterling. Her formative years were spent in Huntington where she attended high school. She completed high school in Orange County, California, and continued her education at Rancho Santiago College.

On August 4, 1990, she was united in marriage to James A. Muniga. They made their home in Orange County for a few months before moving to their home in rural Huntington.

She worked at J-Mc Enterprises in Huntington from 1994 until 2005 when she became director of the Humane Society of Whitley County in Columbia City. She remained director of the Humane Society  until 2006.

Her memberships included St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, American Business Women’s Association and formerly Southside Business Association of Huntington. She was also a volunteer for Smaller Paws Animal Rescue.

Surviving relatives include her husband, James; two sons, Gregory Bryant and Jeffrey Bryant, both of Bloomington; a step son, Timothy (Erica) Muniga of Sunnymead, California; and seven grandchildren.

The funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S. Line Street, Columbia City with visitation one hour prior at the church. Visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with a Prayer Service at 8 p.m.

Preferred memorials are to Humane Society of Whitley County or Giving Circle c/o Whitley County Community Foundation.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com