Deb Aaron

LIFESTORY:

Deborah Aaron truly knew how to enjoy, cherish and celebrate every moment life had to offer. Her personality shone like a beacon – bright and dazzling for all to see; she never failed to fill a room with her presence. Deb didn’t need thousands of flashy distractions in her life, but was perfectly content spending time with her family and friends, making unforgettable memories together.

The 1950s marked a quieter, more stable time in American history. It was a good time to grow up in America, and because of the Baby Boom, neighborhoods and schools were bursting at the seams with children. Deb was among those children. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 9, 1953, she was the sixth of nine children to Theodore Lewis Scheidel and his wife, Lila (Pitsch).

Deb grew up on 7 Mile Road in Comstock Park, and although her homestead wasn’t a “typical” farm, her family raised cows and chickens and they had horses as well. Being the tomboy that she was, Deb didn’t mind getting her hands dirty with the chores that her siblings didn’t want, and spending her day outdoors. When in season, her family also picked apples and cherries together. As a teenager, Deb had many friends who she loved to hang out with, and get into her fair share of mischief with too. She lived for the moment, squeezing as much excitement as she could from every day, something she pretty much did all her life.

Shortly after graduating from Kenowa Hills High in 1971, Deb married her high school sweetheart, Steve Miner. Then, in 1972, she went to work for General Motors in the plant on Alpine Street. A few years later, Deb and Steve welcomed the birth of their twins, Jennifer and Jeff, and she left her job to devote herself to being a mother. For Deb, being a full-time mom to twins was like having a full-time job and more, and not a moment of peace. Once her kids were in school, Deb gladly went back to work at GM in 1985, and remained here until her health diminished. With her lively and fun personality, Deb had many friends at work with whom she had many great times. But that was in the early days - lately Deb saw work as just work. Unfortunately, Deb’s marriage to Steve also ended in divorce after several years.

Armed with little more than a fun-loving attitude and a happy heart, Deb could bring life to any place or party (and a few Miller Lites helped too). Her philosophy was “ live for today because you don’t know if you’ll be alive tomorrow” – and Deb did just that – lived for the moment. She wasn’t one to sit still for very long - she was always going out with friends or partying at someone’s house. A great talker, Deb could talk to anyone about anything, except if they pried into her private life. Having fun was more important to Deb than any material possession. She kept her house neat and clean, but didn’t spend a lot of money to have the latest, greatest gadget or excessive decorations. However, Deb thought differently when it came to her backyard. She was very particular about her lawn and garden being well manicured and looking nice.

Family was always near and dear to Deb’s heart, and growing up in a large family, there was always potential for conflict and drama. Being very easygoing, Deb was rarely involved in these things, and if by chance she did get mad, it was quickly forgotten. She opened her heart and home to everyone, which was always a happy place. In her leisure time, Deb loved to cheer on Michigan State or the Detroit, or sing along to old rock and roll hits by the King of Pop, Elvis. Deb was a die-hard fan of Elvis since she was a young girl. She even had a cardboard cut out of him tacked to her ceiling so that she could look at him while relaxing on the couch. Being a private person, Deb didn’t let many people know that she started feeling sick several months ago, which was ultimately diagnosed as terminal cancer a few weeks ago.

Exuberant and full of life, Deb brightened and enriched the lives of everyone who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed.

Deborah A. Aaron, age 56 of Grand Rapids, MI passed away at her home on Friday, August 14, 2009. She was preceded in death by her father, Theodore Scheidel; her stepfather, Ike Seeley; and brothers, Daryl Scheidel and Mark Scheidel. Deb is survived by her children: Jennifer and Dan Murphy, Jeff Miner; grandchildren: Allyson, Allyssa, Alanna Murphy and Kaisee Miner; mother, Lila Seeley; brothers and sisters: Ronnie (Brenda) Scheidel, Dwayne (Terri) Scheidel, Dianne Scheidel-Johnson, Suzanne Scheidel-Abshire, Darwin (Linda) Scheidel, Yvonne (Terry) Krampe, Dwight Scheidel; several nieces and nephews, and many friends, including Jodi, Cammie and Barb, whose help during these last few days was very much appreciated.

A funeral service to celebrate Deb’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 18, at 11 a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, where friends and relatives may visit with her family on Monday, August 17, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Deb’s family suggests a memorial contribution to either Hospice of Michigan or the American Cancer Society. Please visit Deb’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory with her family or sign her online guest book.