Deborah L. Schelhas
March 18, 1949 – August 5, 2026
A private family gathering is being planned. Memorial Contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Deborah Lynn Schelhas age 77 of Portage passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Deborah was born in Detroit, MI, on March 18, 1949, the daughter of Joe and Shirley (Teceno) Naggi. On December 18, 1972, she married Peter Schelhas who survives her. Deborah received her bachelor of arts degree from Western Michigan University and her master’s in business administration and finance from Loyola University. Deborah worked her way up the corporate ladder with Mead Data Central, first as a Sales Representative calling on law firms across the country. Her superior sales numbers resulted in promotions into management where her unique skills in sales and training methods resulted in her team leading the nation in sales multiple years. Deborah was a feminist. She was a founding member of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in the Detroit area. She recruited and trained many women in what, at the time, was a man’s world. She and Peter moved many times across the country for business. They had many new homes and many new friends from Chicago to Seattle to Ft. Worth and finally Kalamazoo. Deborah was a social butterfly. She and Peter enjoyed ballroom dancing. She loved to cook and entertaining was a huge part of her life. Besides her husband, Deborah is survived by sisters, Pam Kelly and Lisa (John) Andary; nieces and nephew, Jennifer (Steve) Delano, Kristen (Robert) McFarland, Jamie Kelly, Mark Naggi; sister in law, Jane Schelhas; and many friends. Deborah was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Mark Naggi.
I feel lucky that Deborah and Peter came into our lives. They purchased a home from us and we moved in next door. We became fast friends, sharing meals in our homes. We also had fun trips to Vancouver for dinners. We also got to visit them in Texas. I learned about cooking good food from Deb. I can picture us in her kitchen, she’s drizzling olive oil on pasta or setting out for bread. I learned to let go of my 90’s fat free mentality in part because of how I saw Deb embracing food as something to enjoy with friends and family. We both loved exercise and connected on that too. I admired how strong of a woman Deb was. I was still learning to find my voice. She taught me we can be beautiful and sexy and also super smart. I observed how she and Peter interacted with a fierce and spicy love. We were newly married and fascinated by and learned from their relationship. Our lives are richer because Deborah was in it. Until we meet again.
In Loving Memory of Deborah
It is hard to find the right words to say goodbye to someone who has been such an important part of your life.
Deborah was not just a friend — she was a dear friend who shared 20 years of my life. Through all those years, we shared laughter, conversations, celebrations, and difficult moments. There are so many memories that I will carry with me forever.
I feel incredibly grateful that life gave me the gift of her friendship. Her presence touched my life in ways that words cannot fully express, and her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.
Although my heart is heavy with sadness, I will choose to remember Deborah for the beautiful moments we shared, the love and friendship she gave, and the memories that will always remain in my heart.
Rest peacefully, my dear friend. You will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.
Fernanda
Everyone has a hero. Deborah was mine. We met 47 years ago when I was flown to Chicago from New York for her to train me in sales. In just a few days we bonded as friends. Our husbands got along and while we lived in Chicago for almost a decade we formed an even deeper friendship. Deborah and I were both strong advocates for women. We shared passions of cooking, entertaining, music, and art. She taught me countless things that enriched my life. We shared health challenges and encouraged and supported one another. She was tenacious, brilliant, funny and fun-loving. Resilient, pragmatic, and found solutions to challenges with ease. She cared deeply for her family, her friends, and most of all, she loved Peter. This is the Deborah I knew and loved. I am so grateful to have been her friend all these years. I will always remember her this way. Of late, when we spoke in the phone, we’d talk about our past times together… and that made us both feel good. Rest in peace dear friend. You left too soon; but gosh I’m so glad I had you in my life. Love you forever.
Deborah was an incredible, beautiful, genuine person. We had many deep conversations and I value her insight to life lessons. We met through a mutual friend and I am forever grateful for that. My sincere condolences to Peter. May Deborah rest in peace.