A memorial for Debby Ahrenstein will take place Sunday, Aug. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. at home plate at the Hilltop High School softball field.
Ahrenstein, who served as the assignment secretary for multiple youth organizations and is honored in the Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City for her umpiring accomplishments, died July 26. She was 77.
Ahrenstein was active in youth sports. She started in softball in 1975 with her daughters in Bobby Sox. She coached in the organization and was the all-star coach in 1981.
She started the Girls Softball Federation girls softball league in 1982. It was around that time that she got into umpiring.
She also served as an assistant coach at Southwestern College from 1983-84.
Ahrenstein was very involved in the San Diego Section as the assignment secretary for softball, volleyball and soccer. She also represented the officials associations on the CIF-SDS coordinating council.
The family asks those who plan to attend Sunday’s memorial to dress casually, as Ahrenstein usually wore either shorts or an umpire uniform. Attendees are also asked to bring their wonderful memories of Ahrenstein to share with others.
Food and refreshments will be provided. All are welcome.
Family members called Ahrenstein an amazing personality whose life centered on her devotion to her husband and children as well as her love for softball and inspiring those around her to play hard, play fair, play by the rules and play to win.
