Freetown

Debra Kay (Smith) Sullivan, age 69, was born in Cheynne, Wyoming, in 1953. She wed her high school sweetheart, Bill Sullivan, and they remained married for 52 years until her passing.

Debra — “Deb” or “Debbie” to those close to her — will be remembered as a fiercely loyal, deeply loving, animated storyteller. Her passions included reading novels, lapidary, keeping up with political events, and helping to care for the menagerie of birds, dogs, cats, and hamsters that shared the Sullivan household over the decades.

Debra is survived by her son Michael Sullivan, of Los Angeles; and her father, Norris Smith, and husband, Bill Sullivan, both of Freetown, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her brother, Tony Ray Smith, and her mother, Betty (Charles) Smith.

Per Debra’s request, in lieu of a traditional reception and funeral, her ashes will be spread in a small, private service. Instead of flowers, please feel free to send a charitable donation in Debra’s name to the Humane Society of Jackson County.

Bill and Michael would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Schneck Medical Center for their empathy and skill in making Debra’s final days as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Friends are invited to leave condolence messages at christensenfamilyfuneral.com.

Daniel and Betsy Christensen have been entrusted with the arrangements.