DEBRA ANN WELLS

1953 - 2021

Debra Ann Wells (Elwart), 67, was called to rest in the arms of our Lord on August 11, 2021, in Rockford, IL. Debbie was born on September 18, 1953, in Chicago, IL, to Raphael Grider and Ethel Kathryn Elwart (Norris). She was raised by her mother and stepfather, George Elwart, who later adopted her. She attended St. Gertrude Catholic School as well as Immaculata High School in Chicago, IL; and studied business administration and computer sciences at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL. She worked as an Executive Secretary for The Salvation Army, a Personal Assistant for Illinois Department of Human Services and finally a Customer Service Representative at the 11th Street Currency Exchange in Rockford, IL. Debbie had a deep love for reading and working with children which led her to volunteer at Arthur W. Froberg Elementary school as a literacy tutor. Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Raphael Grider, Ethel Kathryn Elwart (Norris) and George Elwart; her sister, Marlene Rinehart (Manske); her mother-in-law, Mary Keily; and her stepdaughter, Melissa Wells. Debbie is survived by her husband, Keith Wells, whom she married on July 25, 2001, in Des Plaines, IL; her children, Stephanie (Hector) Muralles and Scott Howard, whom she shared with her former spouse, Thomas Howard; her grandchildren, Aiden and Aristea Muralles; her stepgrandchildren, Austin and Jonathan Wyradith; her sister, Carolyn (Gary) Utterback; her sister, Connie (Bob) Rue-Stange; her brother, James (Terri) Grider; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on her behalf to Sit Stay Read Inc., https://www.sitstayread.org/tributes/debraannwells. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N Second Street, Rockford, IL 61107.