Deborah Kay (Lybarger) Perkins

Deborah Kay “Ama” (Lybarger) Perkins, age 73, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 24, 2025, after a brief illness.

She was born on May 7, 1952, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to the late Clyde and L. Jane (Muraski) Lybarger. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1970. Debbie married Michael Lee Perkins, the love of her life and childhood sweetheart, on May 27, 1972, at St Philip Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on December 24, 1999. Debbie had many careers during her lifetime, she worked for Transamerica; was the Owner and Operator of American Cleaners; was a Realtor; a Home-health aide; and retired from Battle Creek Health Systems in 2018. She also worked for her daughter until 2020. After retirement Debbie enjoyed watching her grandchildren and spending time with family. Debbie was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church and St. Martha Circle. She enjoyed I Love Lucy shows and movies, bowling, playing games on her phone, playing cards, bingo, but most of all spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Marie Perkins (Phil) Granish of Battle Creek, Denise Lynette Perkins of Battle Creek, and her son Wesley Adam (Carrie Ann) Perkins of Delton; Six grandchildren, John Michael DeVonce of Battle Creek, Danielle Jean “DJ” Terrell of Nevada, Zayden Lee Granish and Ryan Dewey Granish both of Battle Creek, Brandon Joseph Ray Moore of Battle Creek, and Elizabeth Theora Rae “Lizzie” Moore of South Bend, Indiana, and many extended family members who loved her dearly. Her smile and laughter filled any room she entered and everyone who met her will miss her dearly.

Friends will be received 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Friends will be received 9:00 am until the time of mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. James Richardson at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2024.

Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015 or Centrica Rose Arbor Place, 5473 Croyden Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.