Deborah (Debbie) Polly Shontz, 82, of Indian Head, Maryland, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, April 24, 2025. She was born on October 24, 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the only child of the late Jesse and Eliza Leonard. 

On August 28,1962, she married John F. Shontz. He proceeded her in death on October 29, 2016. 

She is survived by her son John L. Shontz (Polly Shontz), daughter Polly McMillan (David McMillan).  She was blessed with four grandchildren, Randy Shontz (Gabby Gilotti), Eliza Downing (John Downing), Madison McMillan, and Jesse McMillian; and three great-grandchildren, Rhett and Crew Shontz, and Ella Downing. 

Debbie grew up in Saxton, Pennsylvania.  She first attended Stonerstown Elementary School and then graduated from Saxton Liberty High School in 1960. In the 5th grade she became a member of the high school band, where she walked to the high school after lunch for band practice and then walked back to the elementary school everyday through the eighth grade. She continued playing the clarinet in the band through her high school years. 

After graduating in 1960, she attended the Maryland Medical Secretarial School, following she took a job as a Doctors assistant in Washington D.C.  In 1978, she, John and the kids (J.L. age 12, Polly age 4), moved to their forever home in Indian Head, Maryland, where they made a lot of good friends and memories. 

She enjoyed taking pictures, especially of her grandkids, shopping, taking trips back to her childhood home in Saxton and most of all she enjoyed being with her family. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 12 PM to 2 PM and 4 PM until time of prayer service at 6 PM.  Pastor Tim Bean, Marbury Baptist Church officiating. 

In Saxton, Pennsylvania friends and family will be received at Akers Funeral Chapel, Saxton, Pennsylvania on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 10 AM to 12 PM, with graveside service immediately following at St. Lukes Cemetery.  Pastor Mary Garvey, Stonerstown Church of the Brethren officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Debbie’s memory to the Stonerstown Church of the Brethren, where she was a life long member, 14th St, Saxton, PA 16678.