Debra Kay Richter

She was preceded in death by her father, Eldridge (EJ) and mother, Dorothy (nee Turpin) Snyder.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, James; two daughters Courtny Richter (Deborah Rockman) and Amber (Dave) Dishaw; as well as brothers Dean (Karen) Snyder and Lynne (Jan) Snyder.

She leaves behind the joy of her later years, her ten grandchildren Allyson (Nick) Widdis-Dishaw, Ethan (EJ) Dishaw, Logan Richter, Ben, Caden, Gibson, Jentzen (JJ), Raegan, and Quinn Dishaw. In one final blessing, just hours before she stepped into her eternal reward, she was able to hold her first great-grandchild, born only four days earlier, Evanna.

Deb loved worshipping her Savior, loved her husband Jimmy, her family, gardening her flowers, the Detroit Tigers, a great cup of coffee, and sunshine - especially summers on Mackinac Island or winters in Florida. Psalm 91 was one of her favorite scriptures, and she was one of the most joyful, positive, content people you could ever meet. Her patience and childlike faith were legendary to those who knew her, and she set the tone for a life of gratitude in those she worked with at Borgman Ford, and later, Great Lakes Healthcare, as well as all those she fellowshipped with in the churches she and Jim were a part of over the years. But most of all, she set the example of gratitude for her entire family to follow.

To paraphrase RAF Airman Magee, "...she has slipped the surly bonds of earth...sunward she has climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds (Deb's favorite), put out her hand and touched the face of God." Certainly, when she did so, she was welcomed with a "Well done, good and faithful servant." Her family cannot fill the hole she leaves, but we will remember her example and emulate her life.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” - Psalm 91:1-2

The family and friends of Debra Richter will gather for a visitation from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan (East Building) and will celebrate her life with a service 11 a.m. Thursday, August 29 at Cook Memorial Chapel, with a celebration lunch following. In lieu of flowers consider a donation, in Debra's memory, to Salvation Army or Child Evangelism Fellowship. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.