Debra Lee Finkbiner

Debra Lee Finkbiner, a radiant soul whose life was a testament to love, resilience, and devotion, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan. Surrounded by the embrace of her beloved family, Debra’s courageous journey through cancer came to a close with grace and dignity — just as she had lived every day of her extraordinary life.

Born in Marshall, Michigan, Debra entered the world on July 30, 1954, and from the very beginning, she carried a heart full of warmth and a spirit that lifted those around her. Her life was not measured by titles or accolades, but by the immeasurable love she gave and the sanctuary she built for her family. As a homemaker, Debra poured her soul into creating a home that echoed with laughter, comfort, and unconditional care — a haven where memories were made and love was always abundant.

Her love story with her husband, Steven Finkbiner, was one for the ages. knowing each other for years, before embarking on 36 years of them married, their bond was rooted in adventure, mutual respect, and unwavering companionship. From the moment they met in 1989, their lives intertwined in a dance of friendship, joy, and shared dreams, growing stronger with each passing year.

Debra’s zest for life was infectious. She found joy in the simple pleasures — swimming in sunlit waters, camping beneath starlit skies, and playing spirited games of Yahtzee with loved ones. Her love for Rock and Roll, especially the sounds of REO Speedwagon, was the soundtrack to countless cherished moments. The color blue, her favorite, reflected the serenity and depth of her soul — calm, steady, and endlessly loving.

Nature was her sanctuary, and her family was her heart. Together, they created magical memories canoeing through the Manistee wilderness to the Tippy Dam, laughing under the canopy of trees, and marveling at Michigan’s majestic waterfalls and lighthouses. These adventures were not just trips — they were expressions of Debra’s boundless love for life and her desire to share its beauty with those she held dear.

Debra’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her devoted husband, Steven, and her beloved children: Rick (Patricia) Austin of Coldwater, MI; Shannon (Shawn) Lopez of Battle Creek, MI; and Robert (Ashten) Finkbiner of Battle Creek. Her love multiplied through generations, blessing her with grandchildren: Nick, Darren, RaeAnn, Tobey, Morgan, Luke, Hope, Willow, Rick, AnnaBell, Kamisha, MonTee, Nesto, and Alondra — and great-grandchildren: Harper, Cruz, Alita, Cohan, MiaBella, Elics, Dee, Seffriel, Graciela, MonTee Jr, Madison, Michelle, Madeline, and more precious little ones on the way.

Her sisters, Ruth and Sandy, will forever hold close the sacred bond they shared — a sisterhood woven with laughter, support, and countless treasured memories. Though Debra now joins her parents, Benard and Alice; her brother, John; and her sisters, Bonnie and Alice, in eternal peace, her presence remains a guiding light for those she leaves behind.

Debra Lee Finkbiner was more than a wife, mother, sister, and grandmother — she was a beacon of love, a nurturer of hearts, and a soul who made the world brighter simply by being in it. Her legacy is etched in every hug she gave, every smile she inspired, and every life she touched. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever echo in the laughter of her grandchildren, the stories shared around the campfire, and the love that continues to grow in the family she so beautifully built.

“Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they gave, and the love they brought into our lives.”