Deborah Parker

Deborah Parker was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and daughter who, through her commitment to her family, redefined the concept of unconditional love. She had a full, caring heart, and everyone who spent time with her felt the warmth of her presence. The year 1955 represented a time of simplicity and happiness in the United States. Under the leadership of Dwight D. Eisenhower, American colleges and universities began to end racial segregation. Meanwhile, many teenagers were tuning their radios in to hear Elvis Presley, as he emerged as one of the worlds first rock and roll stars. Amidst all the excitement of the year, Dwayne and Ada (Treas) Pulsipher of Muskegon, Michigan were thrilled to welcome the birth of their beautiful daughter, Deborah Diane, on November 18, 1955. Deborah and her older brother, Thomas, grew up on the eastside of Muskegon, and attended the Orchard View Schools. While her mother was a traditional homemaker, her father served in the Air Force for a time before going to work at Continental Motors. Deborah was always an active child, enjoying activities like water skiing and bowling. She grew into quite a pretty girl too and was on the cheerleading squad in high school and the homecoming court her senior year. In 1973, Deborah donned cap and gown and graduated from Orchard View High School. A few years after high school, Deborah met Tim Hartzell and they began dating. The two fell in love and were married in 1976. But it wasnt just the two of them for very long, because later that same year the newlyweds welcomed the birth of their first child, a son they named Jeffrey. A year later, Deborah and Tim delighted in the birth of their second son, Timothy, who completed the Hartzell household. The family of four lived in various places around Muskegon, and for a time also lived in Florida and Montana. No matter where they called home, Deborah took whatever jobs she could to help support her family; she waited tables, tended bar and worked in factories. Deb always knew, though, that her most important job was being a good mother to her two boys, which at times proved to be a handful. In 1995, Deborahs marriage to Tim ended in divorce after 19 years. After some time, Deborah met Bob Parker, a singer in a band and owner of rental properties around town, while tending bar at the Lithuanian Club. The two hit it off right away and after dating for a while, they were happily married on June 6, 1998. The couple settled into married life together in Deborahs house on Harvey Street, which was close to her mother. She had a very close and endearing relationship with her mother, so living close by was a blessing. Over the next several years, the couple shared many great memories together, and having fun along the way. They loved to travel and took several adventurous trips across Canada, stopping in Toronto and Windsor, and since Bob was a musician, they had to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Deborah eventually had to leave her job at the Lithuanian Club after she hurt her ankle and couldnt stand on her feet for long periods of time. Briefly thereafter, she worked at the Dollar Store, but it was during this time that Deborah was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and was put on disability. Unfortunately, Bob also began suffering with health problems, and he too had to quit work. Fortunately, the couple had a wonderful support system in their family, and with the help of some government agencies, they were able to get help with their medical needs and such. Despite these difficult times, Deborah always found great happiness in the presence of her family. The holidays were her favorite times of the year, and she always went out of her way to make everything special for her loved ones. Deborah took her job as a doting grandmother very seriously and she loved spending time with her three precious grandchildren. At gatherings, she was usually off doing some kind of craft project with them, loving every minute of it. Deborah also had a very special four-legged companion that she numbered to her family for 14 years her lab-beagle mix dog named Bud. In her leisure time, Deborah enjoyed shopping for Coca Cola memorabilia to add to her collection, and she was a great cook too, especially when it came to her egg salad. Deborah felt her best when she was less stressed, so Bob did his best to keep things on an even keel at home. Unfortunately, she began having other health problems and recently became ill and was put in the hospital. The doctors assured her family that she would be fine, but her condition was more dire than they thought. Deborah suffered a massive heart attack, and although the doctors did all they could, she died on Thursday, November 12, 2009. Although Deborah will be deeply missed, her legacy of love and dedication leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort. Deborah is survived by husband, Robert; sons, Jeffrey Hartzell, Timothy (Stacy) Hartzell; step daughter, Christina; grandchildren, Taya, Evan, Ayden; mother, Ada Pulsipher; lifelong friend, Barb VanBogelen & her dog, Bud. She was preceded in death by her father, Dwayne & brother, Thomas. Visitation will be at Clock Life Story Funeral Home on Sunday, November 15, from 2:00 5:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place in the Clock Chapel on Monday, November 16, at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. David Crowell officiating. Interment will take place in Laketon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Muskegon Humane Society.