Obituary of Debby Powell

January 17, 1951 – March 5, 2023

Debby Powell.  Age 72 of Flat Rock.

Beloved wife of Jim Powell. Loving mother of Chris (Brandon) Frantz and Ray Powell.  Dear sister of the late Donna Kovach, Dianne Kovach and Frank (Cheryl) Kovach.  Also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Memorial Contributions are appreciated to Alzheimer’s Association and MDA.

Cremation will take place at The On-Site Crematory located within the Molnar Funeral Homes - Brownstown Chapel.

                                                       ~~~~ FAMILY TRIBUTE ~~~~

Deborah Jean Kovach was the firstborn of Frank and Frances on January 17, 1951, but would soon be followed by sisters Donna and Dianne, then brother Frank. The family of six grew up in Southgate, Michigan. Debby was probably too good at being “that” big sister sometimes as she’s never shied away from being in charge, but of course, she was also friendly, loving, and outgoing, singing in both choir and plays. Debby was also extremely smart and a very hard worker, helping her earn grades so high she was accepted to the University of Michigan in 1968 on a full scholarship to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.

Debby spent her years in Ann Arbor learning, making friends she’d keep close her entire life, and cheering on her beloved Wolverines...often joined by her main squeeze, Jim Powell. She earned not only her Bachelor’s in 1972 but stole Jim’s heart and the two were married on March 30, 1974. The next few years the newlyweds spent building their lives together, and eventually, in 1980, two became three with the birth of their daughter Chris, and then four with their son Ray in 1985. With Chris’s marriage, Debby gained another son, Brandon, in 2004. In this time she’d also earn her Master’s degree and find, furnish, and flourish in their Flat Rock family homestead for over 40 years

Debby spent her years teaching math to thousands, planning camping trips all across the United States for her family and, after retirement, for her and Jim. Their dream trip was an 11-week RV trip through Canada and Alaska in 2009. She was also known far and wide for her baking and Christmas décor - every year brought huge spreads of cookies and a beautiful miniature village, huge Santa figure collections and so much more. Never was she happier than having her loved ones over no matter the occasion, and she made it a mission that no one left her home without a full belly and heart.