Traverse City, Michigan - Debra Kaye (Weller) Burley, 63, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Born on December 4, 1962, in Traverse City, Michigan, Debbie was the daughter of Frank and Joan (Mannor) Weller. As part of a military family, she spent her childhood living in Thailand, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Michigan. She learned early the values of hard work, resilience, and devotion to family.

While attending Buckley Community School, Debbie met the love of her life, Rodney Burley. They were married on January 1, 1982, during a Michigan blizzard and shared 44 years of marriage. As a proud Navy wife throughout Rod's 41-year military career, she navigated deployments and frequent moves while creating a loving and stable home built on faith, family traditions, and lifelong friendships.

Debbie worked in several roles throughout her life, including serving as manager of a Hallmark store in Virginia Beach for twelve years. She was active in her community including St. Patrick's Church, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, the Council of Catholic Women, the Girl Scouts, Salem High School band parent organization, and as an ombudsman.

Her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, Rodney Burley; her mother, Joan (Mannor) Rowland; her children, Angela (James) Gouger and Tony (Jamie) Burley; her grandsons, Benjamin, Isaiah, Jacob, Gideon, and Theodore; her sisters, Bonnie (David) Totten, Mary (Kelly) Ham, and Sandy (Leonard) Lydick; her brother, Frank (Chris) Weller Jr.; and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Weller.

Known for her sharp memory, strength of character, generous heart, and fierce loyalty, Debbie was the keeper of family traditions, stories, birthdays, and celebrations. She loved sending greeting cards, decorating for every season, baking for special occasions, and making people feel celebrated. Whether it was a baby shower, graduation party, bridal shower, promotion, birthday, or family gathering, Debbie believed life's milestones deserved to be recognized and shared.

More than anything, Debbie cherished her role as wife, mother, and grandmother. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved, the traditions she preserved, and the countless lives she touched through her faith, kindness, and devotion.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

A visitation for Debra will be held on Sunday, June 14 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 2 pm - 4 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place the next day, Monday June 15 at St Patrick Catholic Church beginning at 11 am, with visitation one hour prior. A luncheon and private burial will follow.