Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Jun 4, 1952 – Dec 23, 2015 (Age 63)
Debbie Martell
Deborah "Debbie" Suzanne Martell died on December 23, 2015. Memorial services will begin at 10:00 AM Monday, December 28, 2015 at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel 4800 S. Minnesota Ave. in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Private inurnment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Debbie was born on June 4, 1952 in Sioux Falls to Wilfred and Lillian Leitheiser. After graduating from O'Gorman High School, Debbie worked at US West/Quest for 30 years until her "first" retirement. Her second career included ten years in real estate.
Debbie married Leno Martell in Las Vegas on Valentine's Day, 1977. Together, they demonstrated the importance of work ethic and family accountability seasoned with a heavy dose of love and laughter to both of their daughters.
Debbie lived for family. It is difficult to label her a daughter, mother, sister, aunt or cousin as she was also our best friend, our caretaker, our confidant, our cheerleader, our travel agent and our comic relief. Debbie's daughters and grandchildren brought her unlimited joy and pride. Gia and Marquis invited her to tea parties and football games. Debbie shared a love of oceans and vacations with them. Debbie also enjoyed wine tasting and playing cards, especially with family on Mondays.
Debbie is survived by daughters, Jill and Rebecca (Quentin Jackson); grandchildren, Marquis Vaughn and Gianna Jackson; mother, Lillian Leitheiser; siblings, Jerry Leitheiser, Diane Gunderson, Bonnie Dewar, Dorothy (Jim) Koska and Dennis Leitheiser; aunt, Janet Schetnan; brother-in-law, Monte (Shirley) Martell; sister-in-law, Jeannie (Greg) Ammon; nieces; nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Debbie was preceded her in death by her husband, Leno; father, Wilfred and nephew, Wyatt Ammon.
minnehahafuneralhome.com
I am very sorry for your loss. Debbie will be greatly missed. I will remember her fun laughter and our shared times the past 2 years. Shalom.
Patricia Taber--Pat
December 26, 2015 | Sioux Falls, SD | Neighbor
So sorry to hear of the loss of Debbie. We went to high school together I remember her as an outgoing kind person prayers for her family at this most difficult time.
Pat Marquardt Jacobi
December 26, 2015 | Idaho Falls, ID | Went To High School Together
Linda Carpenter
December 31, 2015 | Sioux Falls, SD
I was sad and shocked to see Debbie's passing, It wasn't that long ago I saw her at the casino and she had told me of her good luck. I met her at coffee for many years at the phone company and will miss her dearly. We also had many fun times playing Bunco together, I really thought we might get together again and get closer. It really hurts to know I won't see her again. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Linda Carpenter
December 30, 2015 | Sioux Falls, SD
Lillian and family:
I was so sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have many memories of my grade school years in South Dakota with your family.
Gloria Balk Koenekamp
December 29, 2015 | New Berlin, WI
So sorry for the loss of a great friend. Lin Larson
December 28, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Debbie was such a nice person. Prayers for her daughters and family during this difficult time.
Sue Wollmuth
December 28, 2015 | Sioux Falls
Surprised to read of Debbie's passing. Always enjoyed our talks in our backyards.
Mike Schmidt
December 28, 2015 | Jacksonville, FL
Debbie was friends with my in laws, and sold us our first home. She always had a smile on her face and very kind to everybody. Rest in Peace sweet lady!
Danielle Rhoades
December 27, 2015 | Sioux Falls, SD