Deb Michael
Deb May Michael died May 10, 2021, in Haxtun at the age of 62. She was born Sept. 6, 1958, in Burlington to Nova Joy (Hatfield) and James McCoin.
She attended and graduated from Stratton High School in 1976. She continued her education at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling and finished her teaching degree at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
While attending NJC, she met her future husband, Brad James Michael. They were wed March 1, 1980, in Stratton. The couple made their home northeast of Haxtun. Deb started her teaching career at Fleming the fall of 1980, retiring in 2015.
In 1984 the couple was blessed with their first child, Andrea Kay, on Jan. 29. A second child, Aaron Lee, was born to them Jan. 20, 1987. They completed their family with the birth of a third child, Alan Austin, on May 31, 1996. A devoted and loving mother, she attended all school and church functions for her children, as she was their biggest fan.
Deb’s passion for teaching over 35 years allowed her to touch and mold the lives of over 600 children. She delighted in the challenge that each student brought, kindling their individual abilities and sparking a love for learning. Adept in sign language, she taught the skill to her own children as well as her students.
Farm life had her helping out summers, weekends and evenings driving tractor, chasing cows and fixing meals. Many fond/funny memories of and with Deb could be found in the corrals on the Michael Farm.
Highly devoted to her faith in Jesus Christ, she loved to sing and sign in the church choir, attend Bible studies and memorize Scripture.
Downtime, when there was any, was filled by hand-making cards and spending time with and loving on her grandchildren. Also when Deb’s mother, Joy, was in the nursing home, she spent time daily with her and the other residents, doing activities and taking care of and having a love for them.
She is survived by her husband, Brad Michael of Haxtun; mother-in-law, Donna Michael of Haxtun; brother, Jim and wife Lori McCoin of Castle Rock; children, Andrea and husband Hazen Schlachter of Holyoke, Aaron and wife Elizabeth Michael of Haxtun, and Alan and wife Kimberlee Michael of Haxtun; grandchildren, Nicole, Ryan and Meredith Schlachter and Colton Michael; sister-in-law, Vicki and Rex Benson of Sterling; niece, Cori McCoin, and nephew, Kellen McCoin of Castle Rock; best friend, Dottie Oman of Haxtun; and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Richard Blancken; mother, Nova Joy Blancken; father-in-law, Leonard Michael; and many aunts and uncles.
Funeral services were held May 15 at the Haxtun Community Center. Burial followed at the Fairfield Cemetery.
Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.
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