Mary Lorna DeBar
Mary Lorna DeBar, a 59-year resident of Grand Ledge, and a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2024, at the age of 86. Mary had experienced a sudden and unexpected medical event the prior Monday giving family and several dear friends a chance to gather around her in prayer and love at the end. Born on Valentine’s Day in 1937, in Charlotte, Michigan, Mary’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and devotion.
Mary’s journey began as a spirited young girl in Charlotte, where she attended Olivet High School, graduating with the class of 1954. Her high school years were filled with joyful memories as a cheerleader and a talented member of the band, where she played the trombone with gusto. Like many living in rural Michigan, she also helped out with various duties on the family farm, and for a time, road her horse to school.
After high school, Mary bought her brother’s car and left home for the big city of Lansing, and enrolled in what was then Lansing Business University (later Davenport University). After obtaining her Associate of Business degree, she embarked on a administrative career with the State of Michigan in the Department of Education where she worked for several years.
During this time, Mary met, and later wed, the love of her life, Raymond L. DeBar. Their love story spanned 65 beautiful years, 63 of those married. Together, in 1962 they welcomed their beloved son, Brian, who, along with his wife Teresa, eventually blessed Mary with two grandchildren, Brianna Marie DeBar and Christopher Raymond DeBar. After Brian was born it was their decision she would be a stay-at-home mom while Raymond worked extended hours as a local car salesman. In 1964, they moved from the East side of Lansing to the Grand Ledge area. This focus on family continued for 15 years and then she returned to life as a business professional working as a legal secretary for Reid, Reid, & McKay. In 1988, she followed Joseph D Reid (II) to Capital Bancorp, where she worked as his executive assistance until her retirement at age 75.
Her work ethic was matched only by her passion for music and her church, and her life was one of deep commitment to community and faith. Mary’s voice graced her church’s choir for over 30 years. She found solace and joy in the pages of Nicholas Sparks books and had a remarkable talent for nurturing her rose bushes, which bloomed beautifully under her guidance and care.
She cherished every moment spent with family and in later years traveled regularly to visit her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren in California. Her extended family included her sister Doreen (Dale) Weber, sister-in-law Ruth (Albert) Mix, brother-in-law Rex (Frances) DeBar, and her many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Doris (Weeks) Hogle, and her brother, Norman (Lucille) Hogle and his wife. Our faith gives us solace in their long-awaited reunion (Mary lost her mom when she was only 30 – both mom and brother passed as a result of cancer).
A Funeral Service was held Friday, February 9, 2024 1:00 p.m. at the Grand Ledge Baptist Church, 1120 Willow Hwy, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 with a visitation one hour prior to the service; a luncheon will be provided after the service and then interment to follow at Delta Center Cemetery. For those wishing, donations can be made in loving memory of Mary L. DeBar to the American Cancer Society. The family has entrusted arrangements to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com.