Deborah Caris Burtless – Adrian

Deborah Caris Burtless, of Adrian, born Deborah Susan Rader on April 2, 1956 in Greenville, SC to Charles and Jeanne (Maggs) Rader, passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025. When her father Charles passed away five months after Deborah was born, her mother and Debbie moved back to be near the family in Pennsylvania. Jeanne married Marlin Caris, who later adopted Debbie and who would always be Dad.

Graduating from Adrian High School in 1974, Debbie went on to work for many years at the Daily Telegram, holding various positions including Keypunch and Proofreader. Later in her career she retired from United Airlines as a Reservationist in 2015.

Debbie met Chuck Burtless in the Bachelor and Bachelorette Square Dance Group; marrying in February 1979. Debbie and Chuck could frequently be found eating at Tuckeys Big Boy and wandering craft stores for more yarn to support her knitting, crocheting, and rug-hooking habit. They enjoyed 44 years together until his passing in 2023.

Her memory will be cherished by her mother, Jeanne; siblings, Jeff (Kathy) Caris, Janet (David) Kallsen; nieces, Katy and Jenny Caris; aunt, Mona Caris; uncle, Brayton (Connie) Maggs; and her Rader, Maggs and Caris cousins. Also, by her Burtless Family who welcomed her in; Judy Burtless-Buttery, Jan Burtless, Rebecca (Chad) Burtless-Creps, David Narjes, Beth Burtless and many nieces and nephews.

Debbie is preceded in death by her husband, Chuck; father, Charles Rader; dad, Marlin Caris; sister, Dorothy Schnieder and brother in-law Bruce Burtless.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 6, beginning at 12:00pm at Wagley Funeral Home in Adrian, with Rev. Geoff Koglin officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester, MI. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the start of the service.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.