MAPES, Debra Ann
Portage
After a year long battle with cancer, Debra passed away Friday, June 5, 2009 in her home with her family and friends by her side. She was born November 1, 1954 in Traverse City, a daughter of Peter, Sr. and Alberta (Ronk) Valler and had lived in Portage for many years. She graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1972 and after raising her daughters, had worked for Kohl's Department Store for ten years in customer service. She loved antiques and looking for her treasures took her on trips to the East Coast on many occasions. What mattered most to Debra was her family, her home and her friends. On July 11, 1975 she married Brian Mapes, who survives. Debra is also survived by her daughters, Sarah (Donny) Oberg and Jenny Mapes, both of Chicago; her father, Peter Valler, Sr. of Portage; her sister, Terry Valler of Portage; two brothers, Peter, Jr. (Karla) Valler of Boyne City and Andrew (Susan) Valler of Portage; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM in the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. with Rev. Brian Lutz officiating. A private family interment will take place in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Memorials may be directed to Heartland Hospice. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign the online register book or leave a condolence to the family. 343-1508
Published in Kalamazoo Gazette on 6/7/2009 (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection)