Deborah Jane Howes

Deborah Jane (Frisbie) Howes, of Portage, formerly Alma, MI passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the age of 73. Deborah was born on February 7, 1953, in Alma, Michigan, to Edwin and Virginia (Chaney) Frisbie.

Deborah grew up in Alma and graduated from Alma High School. She later worked for more than 15 years as a pharmacy technician at Gratiot County Hospital. She was quiet and independent, and she especially enjoyed being with her family.

Deborah found happiness in simple and creative pleasures. She created stained glass, enjoyed crocheting, and liked playing Euchre. She loved to travel anywhere she could put her feet in the sand, and she was also known as an excellent cook. Her sons will long remember her potato soup and goulash, meals that carried the comfort of home and her care for them.

Of all the roles she held in life, Deborah was proudest of being a mother to her two sons, Mike and Kris, and then a grandmother to her four grandchildren. Her love for her family was at the center of her life and remained one of her greatest joys. About eight years ago, she moved to Richland to be closer to her family, a choice that reflected how deeply she valued the people she loved most.

Deborah will be remembered for her quiet strength, her independence, her creativity, and the warmth she shared in everyday moments with those closest to her. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Edwin and Virginia Frisbie.

Deborah is survived by her two sons: Mike (Kelly) Howes, of Holland; and Kris (Amber) Howes, of Galesburg; four grandchildren: Madelyn (Zach) Pape, of Holland; Ben Howes, of Holland; Ruthie Howes, of Galesburg and Henry Howes, of Galesburg. She is also survived by her four siblings: Gary (Kathy) Frisbie, of Alma; Jim (Brenda) Frisbie, of Elwell, John (Teresa) Frisbie, of Elwell, and Judy (Don) Cheyne, of Burt Lake; and several nieces and nephews.

Deborah has been cremated and no services are scheduled at this time.

While at www.a,sfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign her guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family.

The Howes family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.