Deborah “Debbie” Ann Story

Deborah “Debbie” Ann Story, age 67, of Grattan, passed away Monday, September 16, 2024, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Barbara Brancaleone; and parents-in-law, Gordon and Delores “Poo” Story. She is survived by her husband, Bobb Story; children, Justin (Kaitlyn), Molly (Ryan) Christensen; grandchildren, Remington, Dawson, Thomas, and Taylor Christensen; brother, Bobby (Blair) Brancaleone; sister, Kerri (Brett) Evans; sisters-in-law, Laurie (Barry) Sherman, Julie (Jim) Jones; cousins, Cherie (Henry) Lambert, Toni (Jim) Abbey-Lee, Jackie (Brent) Johnston, Lisa Abbey; Perry (Kim) Abbey; along with many nieces and nephews.

Debbie was born into a loving home in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan. She had a few stops before her family settled in Kentwood, where she attended Kentwood Schools from 6^th grade until she graduated from Kentwood High School. Shortly after graduating high school while at a bonfire on a cool summer night in 1979 she kindled a 41-year relationship with the love of her life, Bobb. This was everything Debbie wanted in life. After being married on July 17^th, 1983, they found their perfect place on Big Pine Island in Grattan. Through sleepless nights and long days, they worked to make a house a home. A home made perfect to raise two beautiful children. From the time they welcomed baby Justin in 1990 and baby Molly in 1992 Debbie knew her kids were her everything. She made sure their childhood was perfect with family trips and spending days on the lake. As she watched Justin grow, they would soon be spending time at countless hockey rinks traveling across the state watching him play hockey. A cherished memory Debbie loved to talk about was when her son-in-law, Ryan officiated Justin and Kaitlyn’s wedding in the mountains of Colorado. She was so proud to see what a dedicated, loving husband, and hardworking son he had become. Deb’s time with Molly growing up was filled with long late-night talks about everything and anything. They also enjoyed taking and filling cake orders for their specialty cake business. This consisted of many late nights and early mornings baking and decorating together. She was always so happy to see what an amazing wife and loving mother Molly was to her most prized possessions, her grandkids. Debbie would spend the rest of her years spoiling them. Watching Thomas learn how to swim at such a young age, she was so proud of what a good swimmer he became. Her grandkids were her entire world. From going to sports games to buying “something surprises”. Deb would do anything and everything her grandkids wanted, even if it meant them getting in trouble together. Most people that have been blessed by having Debbie in their lives will miss the random Valentine’s Day cards they would get in the mail and all her other small acts of kindness that most people wouldn’t think to do. She loved holidays and celebrating every occasion she could. This included spending hours putting up and decorating her Christmas tree. One year Debbie put 16 strands of lights and had to use 2 extensions cords. She was an incredibly thoughtful and selfless person. She somehow would find the time throughout her life to be her areas representee for the Big Pine Island Lake Association for over 20 years, serving as the Election Chair in Grattan Township for over 10 years, and a vital member of the Orchard Hills PTO. She will be missed immensely. One last time, “Let’s go to the beach!”

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-7pm on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson Lowell, Michigan, 49331.