Deborah Jo Zelt

Deborah Jo Zelt, 62 of Gaylord, passed away at Otsego Memorial Hospital on Monday, November 7, 2016.

Born in Gladwin on October 17, 1954, Debbie was the daughter of Donald and Doris (Lange) Shell.  She grew up in Gladwin and was a graduate of Gladwin High School.

Debbie worked in the steel industry as a purchasing agent in Michigan and then in Alabama and South Carolina.  In 2010 she moved to Gaylord where she began a career as a realtor, first at Century 21 and currently at Real Estate One.

Debbie was a proud breast cancer survivor.  She enjoyed playing golf, bowling and reading.  Her family will remember her creativity, her craftwork and the beautiful cakes she decorated for various family members and events.  She also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas.  Debbie loved her dog, Taz and most of all, her grandchildren.  She looked forward to attending as many of their activities as she could.

Debbie is survived by her partner and companion, Rick Howard of Gaylord; her children, Jody (Melissa) Zelt, Brandy (LouAnn) Zelt and Shannon Zelt all of Gladwin; her grandchildren, Michael, Josh, Blake, Paysen, Grace and Owen; her great granddaughter, Ellie and a great granddaughter and great grandson on the way; sisters, Pam (Pat) Shea of Gladwin and Susan Fischer of Deckerville; brothers, Arley (Linda) Shell, Arnold (Lesley) Shell, Ron Shell and Arden (JoAnn) Shell all of Gladwin and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Gwyn Neal and a brother, David Shell.

Debbie’s family will gather to visit with friends from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Friday, November 11, 2016 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to support her grandson, Owen.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com