Obituary of Debra Long

Debra “Debbie” J. Long, 63, of Niles, peacefully passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021. She was born on June 13th, 1958, at the Pawating Hospital in Niles, Michigan, to the late Charles and Virginia (Arscheene) Hurrle. Debbie was born and raised in the Michiana area and graduated high school from Dowagiac Union Schools. Growing up with both of her parents and seven other siblings taught her the importance, and the value, of family. At twenty-five years old she married her lifelong companion, Joseph Long, on July 2nd, 1983, and started a family of her own. Together, they raised two children, Virginia and Brian, who eventually gave them seven grandchildren. Debbie wore many hats for her family; homemaker, caregiver, cook, shoulder to cry on, and anything else that involved making her family comfortable and happy. She had a very special relationship with her grandkids and wasn’t afraid of checking in, especially with relationship statuses. She kept a close eye on her granddaughter, Ayla, and was always making sure “That Boy” was doing what he was supposed to. Debbie was known to be a great host. Her Thanksgiving feasts were unmatched, her fried chicken was perfectly crisp, and her chicken n’ dumplings could warm a person’s soul. When she needed some time away, she could be found up north. Baldwin, Michigan, and the surrounding area was paradise for her. Whalen Lake and the Martini Lake Chain were two of her favorites. She loved to be on the boat, to fish, and to explore all of the beauty northern Michigan has to offer. Mushroom hunting, cleaning fish, and spotting deer were amongst many things she would keep herself busy with on vacation. When she wasn’t on vacation you would find her running machines for Niles Precision Company, where she worked for twenty-six years. During her life, she had managed to make a difference in every person’s life who chose to be present. She will be dearly missed by her family, her friends, and her community She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Virginia Hurrle; and one of her siblings, Albert Hurrle. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Long; her two kids, Brian Long of Niles, and Virginia (Dave) Kenney of Niles; her seven grandkids, Ayla Kenney, Riley Kenney, Calli Kenney, Gryffin Long, Helena Long, Stephen Yeager, and Bella Yeager; six of her siblings; as well as many other family members and friends. A public visitation will be held for Debbie on October 26th, 2021, beginning at five p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home. Funeral ceremonies begin at eleven a.m. at the First Church of Christ in Niles on Wednesday, October 27th, 2021. Memorial contributions may be made to the Reflection Community Church Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.