All Obituaries

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, Debbie Gaffney, who entered eternal rest on May 10, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 23, 1958, Debbie was a woman of deep faith, quiet strength and endless love. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jack Gaffney; her four beloved children Mathew (Lacey) Aldrich, Jolanda Hoffman, Melissa Martz, and Kim (Dan) Koch, and her stepson Jordan Gaffney, twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, her loving mother Gloria Ruell and her brother Danny Ruell and her sister Deanna Ruell. She was preceded in death by her sister Dana Knapp, her father Dan Ruell, and step- daughter Brooke Gaffney.

A proud graduate of Lake City High School, Debbie dedicated her life to caring for others, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and served with compassion at Lake City Area Schools as a custodian and evening supervisor of the recreation center, where her kindness and nurturing spirit left a lasting impact on students and staff alike.

Debbie’s faith was the foundation of her life. She found deep joy in her church- greeting others with a smile, lovingly cleaning the sanctuary, and attending services with heartfelt devotion. Her service to the church was a true reflection of her love for God and community. She had a special love for birds, always keeping her feeders full and watching them with peaceful joy. Debbie also found great happiness in tending her garden- keeping her flowers blooming and beautiful throughout the good months, a labor of love that brough color and care to her home.

Christmas was her favorite time of year. Her house was always filled with light, music, laughter, and traditions that brough her family together in love and celebration. Debbie’s legacy of unwavering love, grace, and faith. Her gentle strength and generous heart will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at The Grove Church (3815 S Morey Rd. Lake City, MI) on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM where family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance. The viewing will be from 11:00 AM-1:00PM followed by the funeral service. A luncheon will take place at the church, then burial will follow at the Moorsetown Cemetery 5392-5490 E. Edmonds Rd. Moorsetown, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family. The Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain is assisting the family. The online obituary can be view at burholderfamilyfuneralhome.com