Debra Ann Sturdivant

Debra Ann Sturdivant, 66, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. She was born on March 10, 1959, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Marvin G. Bates and Patricia M. (Burbank) Bates.
Deb attended Battle Creek Central High School and received her GED in 1977. On June 6, 1987, she married the love of her life, Robert Sturdivant and the two enjoyed the remaining 38 years together. She worked and volunteered for the Community Inclusive Recreation (CIR) where she loved to participate in bingo, bowling, and baseball events. Deb spent many years working for the American Legion Post #54, Davis Oil, C-Stores and Pennfield Felpausch. She was also one of the delivery drivers for the Battle Creek Shopper and Marshall Advisor Newspapers.
Deb is survived by her husband, Robert Sturdivant; daughters, Amanda (Matt) Asher, Tricia (Richard) Sams; grandchildren, Hayden Barnes, Korben Barnes, Jesse Asher, Joseph Asher, Annamae Sams, Riker Sams, Roman Sams, Reagan Sams; brothers, Thomas (Helen) Bates, David (Ann) Bates; sister, Connie Schragg; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Patricia Bates; brother, Marvin "Butch" Bates Jr.; sister, Janet Felter; sisters-in-law, Linda Bates and Wanda Hudson.
Deb enjoyed a good game of BINGO with Judy, Linda, and Bubba, taking trips to Omaha, watching The Golden Girls and any true crime shows, and was a collector of pig statues and figurines. Through everything in life, Deb was devoted to her family, her children and grandchildren were her entire world and light of her life and she made sure they were always loved and cared for. She will be greatly missed by all her family, friends and all those that knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm with the funeral service to immediately follow at 12:00 pm.
Memorials may be made to Community Inclusive Recreation (CIR), 331 Jackson Street West, Battle Creek, MI 49037 or American Heart Association, 3940 Peninsular Drive SE #180, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.