Debbie Martell

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Deborah “Debbie” Suzanne Martell died on December 23, 2015.

Memorial services will begin at 10:00 AM Monday, December 28, 2015 at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel 4800 S. Minnesota Ave. in Sioux Falls.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Private inurnment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Debbie was born on June 4, 1952 in Sioux Falls to Wilfred and Lillian Leitheiser. After graduating from O’Gorman High School, Debbie worked at US West/Quest for 30 years until her “first” retirement. Her second career included ten years in real estate.

Debbie married Leno Martell in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day, 1977. Together, they demonstrated the importance of work ethic and family accountability seasoned with a heavy dose of love and laughter to both of their daughters.

Debbie lived for family. It is difficult to label her a daughter, mother, sister, aunt or cousin as she was also our best friend, our caretaker, our confidant, our cheerleader, our travel agent and our comic relief. Debbie’s daughters and grandchildren brought her unlimited joy and pride. Gia and Marquis invited her to tea parties and football games. Debbie shared a love of oceans and vacations with them. Debbie also enjoyed wine tasting and playing cards, especially with family on Mondays.

Debbie is survived by daughters, Jill and Rebecca (Quentin Jackson); grandchildren, Marquis Vaughn and Gianna Jackson; mother, Lillian Leitheiser; siblings, Jerry Leitheiser, Diane Gunderson, Bonnie Dewar, Dorothy (Jim) Koska and Dennis Leitheiser; aunt, Janet Schetnan; brother-in-law, Monte (Shirley) Martell; sister-in-law, Jeannie (Greg) Ammon; nieces; nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Debbie was preceded her in death by her husband, Leno; father, Wilfred and nephew, Wyatt Ammon.