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 6th 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 17th, 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.
5 Responses
So sorry to find out you went home to Heaven but happy for you to be with our God the Father. May you rest in peace my friend. You will be missed.
What a great loss…Deb was such a wonderful, loving and caring person. She was such a joy whenever we got together. Deb always had a smile and a positive attitude. She will be truly missed. Our love and prayers to Bobb, Molly, and Justin and their families.
What a perfect obit for Debbie! You guys made me cry. All the love she shared with all of us shines so strong here. I will miss her so much. Love to you all.
My deepest condolences to the Story family over the loss of their beloved Debbie. The obituary of her truly captures the spirit and essence of this wonderful woman. From my earliest memories of us playing together as children, to our last phone call, I will always be grateful for her love and presence in my life. May we always remember the memories of the great moments that we had with this amazing, loving woman.
Debbie was such a loving caring person. She never missed a birthday or holiday. She truly was one of the kindest souls I know. She will be missed by me and my family. To her family I am so sorry for your loss and I know how much you will miss her.