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Debra Scalice Muller

Debra Scalice Muller

  • June 24, 1951 - July 6, 2011
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan
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“Deepest condolences, Glenn, Jason, Cameron, Terry, and the rest of the family. Rest in Peace Deb! ”
1 of 16 | Posted by: Candi Wesaw - Grand Rapids, MI

“I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Debbie's family and friends. I always enjoyed her laughter and personality when we had the...Read More » ”
2 of 16 | Posted by: David Matthews - Algonquin, IL

“I was sadden to hear of Debbie's passing. We are fellow Native's and have known each other for 43 years. My condolences go out to her family and...Read More » ”
3 of 16 | Posted by: Teri Davis - Kentwood, MI

“It's hard to believe that such a strong spirit has been taken from us. Deb was such a strong life force and so enthusiastic about life she will be...Read More » ”
4 of 16 | Posted by: Sandy Ward - Grand Rapids, MI

“Dear Audrey and family--So sorry to hear of your daughters illness and death. My family has wonderful memories of dance class with both you and...Read More » ”
5 of 16 | Posted by: Elaine Szarowicz (Herblet) - MI

“My condolences go out to Debbie's husband, son and grandson and to her mother Audrey. As a young girl taking dance lessons from her mother I ...Read More » ”
6 of 16 | Posted by: Wanda Jacobs (Lukaart) - wyoming, MI

“I am so sad to hear this news but so happy to have known Debbie. She was my very first friend outside of family. Living across the street from each...Read More » ”
7 of 16 | Posted by: Chari Berkey Jousma - MI - friend

“I met Deb and Audry on a bowling league many years ago. Deb was a remarkable women. So sad to hear about her passing. Thinking of your family...Read More » ”
8 of 16 | Posted by: Ellen Edeksteub - Grandville, MI

“My Condolences & prayers are with you during this difficult time! ”
9 of 16 | Posted by: Teresa deVictoria

“Deb: I am so sad to hear of your passing. What a great loss to both West Michigan and the world. You were an incredible leader, educator and human...Read More » ”
10 of 16 | Posted by: Tedi Parsons - Grand Rapids, MI

“Dear Glenn and Audrey, Jason and family: I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Deb was strong, both in her...Read More » ”
11 of 16 | Posted by: Kathy Dilsaver - Kalamazoo, MI

“Chi Megwech for all your help getting my Daughters ready to dance their first Powwow, I'll see you again when things are finished up here in due time...Read More » ”
12 of 16 | Posted by: Mark Sulainis - MI - Cousin

“Our sympathy to Debbie's family, especially to her son Jason and Sue Swanson. We got to know Debbie through Jason's friendship with our son James ...Read More » ”
13 of 16 | Posted by: Lynn and Mary Donovan - MI

“Deb is on another journey now. I do believe she is completely involved and making the best of it. She is truely a great individual and a pleasure to...Read More » ”
14 of 16 | Posted by: Gary Chivis - Grant, MI - cousin

“I met Debbie through the Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council. She taught me a lot about Native American customs and was always interesting...Read More » ”
15 of 16 | Posted by: Merry Malfroid - Grand Rapids, MI

“Prayers for Deb's family and friends to find comfort and strength in the memories of a very beautiful lady and always had a smile or laughing and was...Read More » ”
16 of 16 | Posted by: Pamela Swiger-Johnson



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MULLER – Mrs. Debra K. Muller (Scalice), aged 60, went to her Creator Wednesday, July 6, 2011. Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Paul Scalice. Surviving are her mother, Audrey Scalice; her husband, Glenn G. Muller; son, Jason Swanson; daughter-in-law, Sue Swanson; grandson, Cameron Swanson; brother, Terry Chivis; mothers-in-law, Francis Muller and Regina Swanson; cousin, Kevin Chivis; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and many more family and friends.

Debbie is a proud member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Potawatomi Nation. She was currently employed by the Grand Rapids Public Museum in the Curatorial Division and was director of the Norton Mounds Project. She was a consultant with the Native American Community Services. Debbie was an advocate with Gilda's Club Pink Shawl Project, and a member and project manager of the History of GVAIL book with Grand Valley American Indian Lodge, the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of the American Indian. She received “one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan” award in 2005 and 2008. Debbie served as Chairperson, Treasurer and currently as Commissioner with the City of Grand Rapids Civil Rights Recognition Commission. Mrs. Muller was the Founder of Theater of the Three Fires also serving as a Board Member and Chairperson. Debbie was a volunteer, Contractual Staff and Jazz Dance Instructor.

Debbie fought a long courageous battle with cancer. She had an amazing strength and determination, and she was a true leader. Through all of her accomplishments she was humble and simply saw herself as an encourager. She had a beautiful smile and laugh that reflected her wonderful sense of humor. Her creativity is reflected in her love of dance and music, which she enjoyed sharing with others. She had a strong desire to strengthen the bonds of family and community. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, co-workers and her Native American Community.

Gitchi-manitou looked around his garden and found an empty space. He looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put his arm around you and lifted you to rest. Gitchi-manitou’s garden must be beautiful for he only takes the best. He knew that you were weary and he knew that you were in pain. He knew that you would never be well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb so he closed your weary eyelids and whispered “peace be thine”.

The family would like expressions of sympathy to go to the American Cancer Society. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 11 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at Ronan-Vanderpool-Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 3131 S. Division Ave. Funeral Services will be held 12:00 Noon Tuesday, July 12 at Ronan-Vanderpool-Stegenga Funeral Chapel. Burial at Bradley Indian Cemetery to follow. Memories and condolences to Debbie’s family may be shared at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com