Deborah Jean Galichia

Debby Galichia passed away peacefully August 18, 2025 with family and friends present. She had been a resident at Foxwood Springs Senior Care Center, Raymore Mo. for several months. She had struggled with life changing progressive debilitating issues for several years until finally being diagnosed with Mills Syndrome, a rare form of PLS/ALS, late last year.

Deborah Jean Russell was born to William “Barney” and Willa M. Russell on September 6th, 1951 in Kansas City, Mo. They preceeded her in death. Her childhood days were happily spent with her sister, Sharon R. Logue and brother, David M. Russell doing all of the exciting things they could imagine. She completed her entire school education in the Raytown School system.

Debby married and became the proud loving mother of Michelle Christine Church and later to Steven Gray Church II. She also lost two children at birth. Her life’s focus turned to giving her children all the love, enlightenment and care a mother could possibly give. Her example and leadership helps guide their lives today. Many happy memories of daytrips to the museum, art gallery or zoo, picnics at the lake or games and special times at home with her follow them through their lives.

As a loving grandmother, she encircled her grandchildren with the love only a grandmother can give. She opened her home to nurture them and help with their care and upbringing. They will look back and know that she is the real meaning of “grandma”.

Her life changed along the way and she later married her current husband, John V. Galichia. They moved from Kansas City to Peculiar, Mo. where they lived and had a wonderful loving life together. The struggles of her ailment finally forced her to Foxwood.

Debby will always be known by family and friends as a loving caregiver that put everyone before herself. Her beautiful smile and sparkling blue eyes attracted everyone to want to know her. Her wonderful laugh could liven a room and you always knew where she was.

Her work life included picture framing at several frame shops in the area including Michael’s where she met John. 14 years at a Raytown plumbing contractor as office manager proved her abilities to handle many varied tasks. A variety of other office manager positions rounded out her business career.

Many will remember her and John from their love of antiques, books and picture framing and many in the Kansas City area can reach out and touch items that were acquired at their sales and shows throughout the years. All will remember the joy and care that she gave to each and every individual, passing on any knowledge and history she could.

She is the proud mother of 2 children, 2 stepsons, and many grandchildren. But all of the kids that came to her home for bible study and parties were taken in as her kids.

Debby will be interred at the Floral Hills Cemetery on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 . A small gathering will be held to pay final respects at the funeral home, meeting in the North Chapel at 12:45pm. A graveside service to lay her ashes to rest will follow, and a final gathering back at the funeral home.

The family requests that gifts be made to the ALS foundation at ALS.org and Missouri Palliative & Hospice Care at missourihc.com in Debby’s name.