Deb Schippers

Deb (Abbott) Schippers was a loving, feisty, strong-willed young woman. She was often outspoken, and had a flare for “messing with people” and joking around. While she often tended to take the path most difficult, she was a very proud and fiercely independent person; rarely accepting help from others. Tough as nails on the outside, with a tender heart, made of gold, as she would do whatever she could for others, if she had the means to do so.

Debbie loved her three daughters: Terri, Sarah and Mindy, and was thrilled to become a grandma to Andrew, Kristina and Ayden. Her grandbabies were the light of her life.

Debbie attended Vicksburg High School in the 70’s and enjoyed singing in the Concert Choir. She loved giving LaCinda Cramer/Sweet (known affectionately as “Cramer”), a hard time. Deb loved the camaraderie between herself and her choir director.

In her late teens and early adult years, Deb enjoyed working on her cars. From changing her own oil, to taking an old Olds’ apart and putting a new radiator in, no mechanical job was too much of a challenge or chore for Deb. She was employed at Summit Polymers, in Portage, and Stewart Sutherland, in Vicksburg, where she proved to be a very hard working, opinionated employee and union steward. Debbie had a passion for defending the rights of her coworkers and delighted in going toe-to-toe with the bosses. It was during her time at Stewart Sutherland, that Deb developed a very close and special friendship, with Renee Hetrick; a friendship that would grow and last for years to come.

Besides spending time loving on her grandchildren, Deb had a passion for knitting, cooking and baking. She took great pride in making enough food for an army and would freeze meals to have later, or to share with others. She also dearly loved to spend time, whether in person or on the phone, with her best friend, Helen Phillips. Even in Deb’s final days, she spoke much gratitude for that special friendship that had lifted her often, and carried her through some very difficult and trying times.

Deborah Linn (Abbott) Schippers passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at Rose Arbor Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan in Kalamazoo. She was reunited, in heaven, with her dad, (Millard) Ray Abbott, who preceded her in death in 2001; and with her two daughters, Danielle and Renee, who had passed at birth. Debbie is survived by her daughters: Terri Baldwin, Sarah Schippers and Mindy Schippers; grandchildren: Andrew, Kristina and Ayden; her mother, Harlene Abbott; sisters: Sue (Stan) Gose, and Laurie Grimm; nieces: Michele (Dan) Ochko, Melissa Gose, and Megan Grimm; nephews: Michael Gose and Josh (Rebecca) Bruystens; and dear friends: Helen Phillips and Renee Hetrick.

A brief, casual but loving, graveside memorial service is scheduled for Friday, July 21, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Vicksburg Cemetery; Pastor Jim Dyke will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations (to be used to assist Deb’s daughters) can be made to Harlene Abbott. The family is being served by Rupert Durham Life Story Funeral Home in Vicksburg.