Debbie Jean Sullivan Michaelis
Debbie Jean Sullivan Michaelis ~ Cherished wife and beloved Mom, Marmee, Gma and Mommo as referred to by her children and her many beautiful grandchildren.
Our Beloved and precious Mother-in-law, daughter, sister, friend, and aunt, passed away peacefully from her earthly life on December 16, 2021 at the age of 66.
Born on March 13, 1955 in Murray, Utah to John Lawrence Sullivan and Delenna Tui Meehan, Debbie was the second youngest of 9 children. In her younger years, she grew-up on a farm, helped her family run a hotel, and finally moved to her childhood home on historic Avalon Drive in Murray. She learned at a young age how to work hard, live simply, be resourceful, and give her all out of necessity. She continued to carry these traits with her, raising her own family on these values. Throughout her life she was relentlessly generous, giving all that she had, day in and day out. Even in her young age, she worked hard to earn money and buy her little sister Patti a cheerleading uniform, so that Patti would be able to participate with her. Debbie is survived by her two sisters and brother, Katherine Lucy Casper, Peggy Alice Rowland (Jeff), and John Dennis Sullivan.
We know there were many happy reunions in heaven with loved ones. Debbie accompanies her parents, John and Tui, and siblings Nancy Lee Densley (Merlynn), Lawrence Jay Sullivan (Monika), Terri Elizabeth Potts, Judy Ann Johnson (Ron), and Patti Lyn Ault (Chris). It brings us much peace and joy thinking of them all together again in eternity. She also worked diligently to complete her family history, and do as much as she could for others in this regard. You could often find her at a cemetery carefully recording names and dates or working on indexing information for families she didn’t know. She loved being in the temple and completed the work for many individuals. We believe many of them are now meeting Debbie in gratitude.
Debbie met her faithful and endearing husband, Kevin Lynn Michaelis shortly before he served his church mission. After winning her heart, Kevin asked for her hand and they were later sealed on August 4th, 1977 in the Manti, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Their bond in faith and love over the course of 44 years cemented the path for six loving children and sixteen adorable grandchildren who miss her dearly today and forever.
As their life grew together, so did their family. Debbie is survived by her husband and children, Krista Rachelle Petersen (Jared), twins ~ Venessa Partridge (David) and Rebecca Barton (Daniel), Ryan Eugene Michaelis (Valerie), Alisha Delenna Thing (Brian), and Mekayla Marie Warmbrodt (Ramin), Debbie’s greatest legacy is her posterity. She raised her children to know Christ and serve others.
Affectionately spoiling her grandchildren was her greatest joy! Isaac and Evan Petersen, Samuel Partridge, Kassidee, Aubrey, Nathan, and Jameson Barton, Calvin and Brooks Michaelis, Jonathan, Delenna, and Alexander Thing, Bailee, Logan, Tucker, and Maverick (due Feb) Warmbrodt. They each undoubtedly know how loved they were and are by their Gma and Mommo. Family friends coined the term ‘Michaelis Mob’ now endearingly used often to refer to these 30 loving souls and laying the groundwork for continued generations of family to come.
With their young family, Debbie and Kevin were often moving due to Kevins occupation. Debbie lovingly became the backbone of the Michaelis Mob. She did whatever she needed to do to help her family get established at each new home. The friends she met in her travels remember her as a faithful minister, always serving and willing to help in any way she could. Debbie delighted in putting others above herself and administering her love to anyone in need. Her hands were rarely still, constantly serving and bringing joy and love to her family, friends, and strangers alike.
She served diligently in the church. She began serving in the Young Women’s organization when her children were young and continued in many young women callings with her daughters as they grew up. Many have recalled her as their favorite leader because they knew she genuinely loved them. She also loved serving the little children in primary and nursery callings. She enjoyed planning, helping and decorating at different church functions. Her talent for fun and her eye for beauty blessed the lives of many. As a faithful ministering sister, she was often found at the doorsteps of many friends and family members, willing and ready to help with whatever was needed. We know those touched by her life will remember fondly her selfless acts of service and leadership.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at the Highland 38th Ward Chapel, 10962 North 6400 West, Highland, Utah. Interment will be at the Riverton City Cemetery.