Debra Muller

MULLER - Mrs. Debra K. Muller (Scalice), aged 60, went to her Creator Wednesday, July 6, 2011. Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Paul Scalice. Surviving are her mother, Audrey Scalice; her husband, Glenn G. Muller; son, Jason Swanson; daughter-in-law, Sue Swanson; grandson, Cameron Swanson; brother, Terry Chivis; mothers-in-law, Francis Muller and Regina Swanson; cousin, Kevin Chivis; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and many more family and friends. Debbie is a proud member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Potawatomi Nation. She was currently employed by the Grand Rapids Public Museum in the Curatorial Division and was director of the Norton Mounds Project. She was a consultant with the Native American Community Services. Debbie was an advocate with Gilda's Club Pink Shawl Project, and a member and project manager of the History of GVAIL book with Grand Valley American Indian Lodge, the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of the American Indian. She received "one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan" award in 2005 and 2008. Debbie served as Chairperson, Treasurer and currently as Commissioner with the City of Grand Rapids Civil Rights Recognition Commission. Mrs. Muller was the Founder of Theater of the Three Fires also serving as a Board Member and Chairperson. Debbie was a volunteer, Contractual Staff and Jazz Dance Instructor. Debbie fought a long courageous battle with cancer. She had an amazing strength and determination, and she was a true leader. Through all of her accomplishments she was humble and simply saw herself as an encourager. She had a beautiful smile and laugh that reflected her wonderful sense of humor. Her creativity is reflected in her love of dance and music, which she enjoyed sharing with others. She had a strong desire to strengthen the bonds of family and community. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, co-workers and her Native American Community. Gitchi-manitou looked around his garden and found an empty space. He looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put his arm around you and lifted you to rest. Gitchi-manitou's garden must be beautiful for he only takes the best. He knew that you were weary and he knew that you were in pain. He knew that you would never be well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb so he closed your weary eyelids and whispered "peace be thine". The family would like expressions of sympathy to go to the American Cancer Society. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 11 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at Ronan-Vanderpool-Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 3131 S. Division Ave. Funeral Services will be held 12:00 Noon Tuesday, July 12 at Ronan-Vanderpool-Stegenga Funeral Chapel. Burial at Bradley Indian Cemetery to follow. Memories and condolences to Debbie's family may be shared at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Debra Muller please visit our Sympathy Store.