Debra Ann Cook

Debra Ann Cook (Kelly) 66, went to be with the Lord April 17, 2024, after battling MS for over 35 years. She passed away peacefully, with her daughter Kelly by her side, while at Trillium Woods with Faith Hospice.

Born July 23, 1957, Deb was the middle child and only daughter of Lawrence and Patricia Kelly in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She graduated from Rogers High School in 1975 where she was part of the choir. Deb even sang at family and friends’ weddings and every Saturday morning she sang along to her favorites including Barbara Streisand, Bette Midler, Whitney Houston, and the Carpenters.

Deb worked as a head cashier at Turn Style during high school where she loved to collect special coins, like silver dollars, to bring home to her dad. Shortly after graduating, Deb began her career at Keebler until medically retiring on disability in 2002.

One of her favorite stories to tell was when she set the family home on fire. She thought if she waxed the bottom of her toboggan she would go faster and despite being told not to melt the wax, in true Deb fashion, she did it anyway. When the wax started on fire, it went from bad to worse as she tried pouring water on it, and well, you know the rest. Not only did her toboggan not go faster, the kitchen got an unplanned face lift!

Besides a laugh you’d never forget, Deb also had a heart of gold! Her generosity with time and money helped many in need. Deb loved people, in general, and was quite a social butterfly! It wasn’t uncommon to find her immersed in conversation everywhere she went, and she loved talking on the phone. She was the type of person who didn’t hold back what she wanted to say either! Anyone who knew Deb would agree she was incredibly stubborn. She even laughed about it in her final days.

Along with all her hobbies over the years, Deb loved her coffee, pop, candy, gum, and cigarettes! She despised water and even in her final days preferred sips of coke and coffee instead. She loved to fish - especially with her dad. However, when she got bored, he would take her closer where she would jump out and swim to shore. Deb enjoyed crocheting anything from afghans to wash cloths, to potholders, and if you didn’t own slippers, she was sure to make you a pair! She would sit back in her chair, crochet hook in hand, while drinking, smoking, and watching her favorite movies like Pretty Woman, Coyote Ugly, Sister Act, and Pure Country. Deb was also an avid bowler until her MS advanced making it difficult. One of her favorite pastimes was playing the slot machines at the casino! So much so that one of her final wishes was to have her ashes sprinkled around the casino, but thankfully she came up with a backup plan.

Deb was an active and involved mother to her three children in their younger years. One of her favorite memories was taking them trick-or-treating and attending all their sporting events and concerts. She loved being a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend to many. Deb’s pride for her children and grandchildren showed as she frequently talked about them and each of their individual talents.

Debra is preceded in death by her son, Daniel Weingate and parents Lawrence Sr. and Patricia Kelly. She is survived by her loving children Kelly (John) Kammenzind and James (Jennifer) Weingate; along with her grandchildren Hannah and Leah Damveld, Ryan, Isabelle, Benjamin, Joseph, Adrienne, Sean, Brooklynne, Everleigh, and MaryKate Kammenzind, Julianna Weingate, and Jaxson Weingate; siblings Lary Jr. (Mary) Kelly, and Tom (Shelley) Kelly; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center. Following Deb’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Deb, consider a donation to Faith Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guest book online.