Debra Ritz Mason, 55, formerly of Howland, died August 9, 2006 in Portland, Oregon. She was born July 26, 1951 in Warren, Ohio, the daughter of Jack and Janet Ritz Simpson.

Debra was a 1969 graduate of Howland High School and graduate of the Pittsburgh Art Institute. She studied at Los Angeles City College and the Sherwood Oak Film Institute. She studied abroad in London, England where she focused on classical and modern Shakespeare theatre.

Debra resided in Florida and Los Angeles before making her home in Oregon As a producer and director, she had many credits in film, video, and television production. Debra was owner of The Rogue River Motion Picture Company. Her paintings have been shown in galleries extensively in Florida and California. Locally, Debra had volunteered with Trumbull New Theatre as an actress and set designer.

Surviving are her parents of Warren and her brother, Jack "Lee" Simpson, Jr. of Newton Falls.

A memorial service was held in Oregon. Material contributions may be made to Relay for Life, c/o American Cancer Society, 525 N. Broad St., Canfield, Ohio 44406. Local arrangements were entrusted to the McFarland & Son Funeral and Cremation Service.