Deborah J. Stansberry
March 4, 1961 – September 22, 2026
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Anyone wishing to share a story or memory about Deb will be invited to do so. Friends may call on the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to Gift of Life of Michigan, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Deborah June Stansberry age 65 of Portage passed away Tuesday afternoon, September 22, 2026. Deb was born in Anniston, Alabama on March 4, 1961, the daughter of Edward and Betty (Milneck) Odenwald. On January 5, 1981, she married Eugene Stansberry who survives her. Many people will remember Deb as a cashier at Hardings, where she was deeply loved. Her colleagues adored her. She had many customers who would wait in her line so they could have her as their cashier. She had the ability to make others feel loved and appreciated. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching football and the Detroit Tigers. She enjoyed oceans, beaches and sea turtles. Deb was a generous person who gave of herself throughout her life. She had been a bone marrow donor and at the time of her death donated her organs so others could live. She was a wonderful wife and mother. She was one only a few people that could connect with her autistic grandson, Cooper. The family finds comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with her son Rob, who died in 2019. Besides her husband Deb is survived by her children, Tracy (Jill) Stansberry, Tony (Paula) Stansberry, Amanda (Max) West; daughter in law, Amber Stansberry; grandchildren, Deacon Heckert, Drake Stansberry, Amber (Yasser) Bahhy, Kellie (Jason) Cater, Zachary (Rebecca) Albright, Megan (Richard) Silsbe, Hailey Stansberry, Cooper West, Lucy West, Maxwell Thompson, Jr., Lincoln Thompson, Rachel Thompson; great grandchildren, Zara Bahhy, Avina Bahhy, Cynthia Silsbe, and two more on the way; sisters, Anita VanTrease, LeeAnne Schaefer; brother, John Odenwald; several nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. Deb was preceded in death by her parents; son, Robert Stansberry; two sisters; and four brothers.
Hi Mama… you are so beautiful. I will miss your smile, your laugh, your love… so much. 💖
Deb and I have been the best of friends since 2019 when I lost my husband, Lani, and a couple months later she lost her son, Rob. We met playing pool for the APA. We were besties and I loved her with my entire being. Although we didn’t see each other a lot we were there for each other and we both knew that. We both love to watch the Detroit Tigers and Lions and always cheered them on together.
I was not able to get up to the hospital to see her in her final days, but I believe she understood why that wasn’t possible for me.
Deb, I love you so much. I pray that you are with your son, Rob. I know he was so precious to you. I also know that you will miss your beautiful daughter Amanda and Max, your husband, Gene, your sons, your grandchildren, and so many more people. You had so many friends. Your work was very important to you and you enjoyed your friends there as well. So many others will remember you for your energetic personality and beautiful smile.
I remember times sitting on your front porch in your swing and drinking beer and a shot or two. I had to slow down towards the end because of my heart problem but I still enjoyed getting together with you. You called me your Bestie and you were also mine. We were fortunate to have Jessica join us for our get-togethers and she fit right in with the two of us.
I will miss you with all my heart, but I could never begrudge you being with your precious son, Rob. We will see each other again one day. Until then you can hang out with Rob and my dear husband, Lani. I hope you have some good times. God bless you all.❤️🙏🥰
It won’t be the same going to Harding’s and not seeing Deb’s car in the parking lot or Deb behind the cash register. My husband and I would stand in line just to chat with her and hear her laugh. Words escaped me when I was told she had passed so suddenly. Rest in peace Deb, and know that so many people will forever miss you. My deepest condolences to the family.
Prayers for the family,Deb was a wonderful person with a kind soul and she will be missed by all that knew her.
Our sincere condolences to the family. We had the pleasure of always being perked up by Deb’s caring and joyful comments at the check out line. She related very well with my son David , who is struggling with MS. She will be missed dearly. May the Lord provide the family the strength and comfort needed in the coming days. God Bless
Deb was my favorite cashier and we always waited in her line! I loved chatting with her and she always brightened my day. Even if I didn’t make it to the grocery store and my husband did, I’d always ask “did you see Deb? How is she?” He knew to go through her line and say hello! I will miss seeing her.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I knew Deb from Harding’s. I was usually coming in when she was clocking out, but on the times I wasn’t, she was always so wonderful. She radiated light and love. She would always call me Kitty Cat, which I found funny. May she rest easy.
Deb you were my best friend. You were such a beautiful person inside and out. I loved our Saturday nights together drinking and being a therapist for each other. Im going to miss you so much but I know you will always be watching over all of us.