×

Deborah L. ‘Debbie’ Sheldon

ESCANABA — Deborah L. “Debbie” Sheldon, 66, of Escanaba, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at the University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio,, following complications from a heart attack.

Debbie was born Nov. 6, 1952, in Escanba, the daughter of Lloyd and Bernice (Nelson) Tuyls. She was raised in Escanaba and graduated from the Escanaba High School in 1971. Debbie worked for over 40 years as a pharmacy tech at Wilbee’s Pharmacy, the Medicine Shoppe, Escanaba Pharmacy, People’s Drug Store and Walgreen’s Pharmacy. She also worked part-time at UPS and the Island Resort and Casino as a blackjack dealer. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Arie 1088, local horsehoe, bowling and women’s wrist wrestling leagues. She was also a member of the Delta County Women’s Pool League, serving as President for many years. Debbie enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, spending time with her Wednesday night friends and shopping on QVC. She was united in marriage to Raymond Sheldon on March 6, 2000, at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Raymond, of Escanaba; son, Lee DeGrand of Escanaba; stepson, Geoff (Christy) Sheldon of Evansville, Ind.; daughter, Sherri (Dale) Palequin, of Las Vegas; stepdaughters, Dena (Brian) Peterson of Amherst, N.Y., and Catherine Sheldon of Petosky, Mich.; grandchildren, Briana (fiance’ Gilmore Cordilla) Sheldon, Gabrielle (Aldrich) Lagaspi, Zachary Jacob Sheldon, Nicholas DeGrand and William, Sarah and Laurel Peterson; brothers, Arnie Orzel, Mike (Joleen) Tuyls of Perronville, Ben (Sheila) Orzel of Hancock, Rodger (Donna) Orzel of Escanaba and Joe Orzel of Michigan; sister, Nancy (Thomas) Couchene of Escanaba; sister-in-laws, Helen Gutschke of Ludington, Mich., and Marie (Bill) Strong of Traverse City, Mich., numerous nieces and nephews and stepmother, Mary Lou Tuyls of Brampton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, twin sisters, Mary and Marie Tuyls; stepfather, Tom Orzel; brother -in-law, Bob Gutschke; brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Linda Ray.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Feb. 22, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services will follow at 6 p.m. A luncheon will be served at the United Steel Workers Hall on Sheridan Road in Escanaba. Debbie will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.