This Is Staffordshire
00:00 - 27-August-2009
THE family of Deborah Wilkes have paid tribute to the mother-of-three.
Mrs Wilkes, pictured, who formerly worked as a nurse and sister at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, had three daughters, twins Jessica and Harriet, and a younger daughter, Rosie.
Mrs Wilkes, aged 49, also leaves a grandson and a granddaughter.
She was found dead at her home in Shirley Street, Leek, on Sunday night.
A post-mortem revealed she had been strangled.
Her family said in a statement: "We feel devastated by Deb's death in such tragic circumstances.
"She was a loving and caring mum and grandma.
"At the same time, we would like to express how proud we are of the service she gave to others as a nurse and ward sister.
"We know how much she valued her independence, even as her health deteriorated following the onset of Huntington's Disease.
"We will miss her so much and appeal for anyone who feels they may know anything about the case to contact the police."