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BORN

1952

DIED

2015

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Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls

4800 S Minnesota Avenue

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Debbie Martell Obituary

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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Argus Leader on Dec. 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Patricia Taber--Pat

December 26, 2015

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.

Pat Marquardt Jacobi

December 26, 2015

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.

Linda Carpenter

December 30, 2015

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.

Gloria Balk Koenekamp

December 29, 2015

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.

December 28, 2015

So sorry for the loss of a great friend. Lin Larson

Sue Wollmuth

December 28, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Debbie was such a nice person. Prayers for her daughters and family during this difficult time.

Mike Schmidt

December 28, 2015

Surprised to read of Debbie's passing. Always enjoyed our talks in our backyards.

Danielle Rhoades

December 27, 2015

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!

Pat Marquardt Jacobi

December 27, 2015

I went to high school with Debbie she was always a fun and kind person prayers to her family.

Sherry Alexander

December 27, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Debbie was a great person and realtor. She sold several house for us over the years. We really enjoyed knowing such a nice honest person
Sherry Alexander

rita Kenyon

December 27, 2015

So sad to here about Deb she was always such a nice a caring person she will be missed by so many people that she has touched.

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Funeral services provided by:

Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls

4800 S Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108

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