Debra Lynn Ellis, 54, of Ontonagon entered into eternal life with Jesus August 4, 2008 peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones after a courageous eight month battle with cancer.

Debra was born on January 27, 1954 in Port Huron, Michigan to her parents Robert and Virginia Colgan.

She graduated from Marysville High School in Marysville, Michigan in 1972.

Debra moved to Ontonagon in 1992 and worked as a social worker at the Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital and Long Term Care Unit for 16 years.

Debra enjoyed cooking, wild-life, bird-watching and most of all she loved gardening. She was a member of the Redeemer Free Lutheran Church of Ontonagon.

Preceding her in death was her father Robert Colgan.

Debra is survived by her special friend and partner Thomas Pestka; Mother Virginia Colgan of Wadhams; Son Joshua Eaton of Dubuque, IA.; Daughter Jolene Eaton of Midland; Granddaughter Samantha Sharpe of Memphis; Sister Gail Rosales of Marysville; Brothers Robert Colgan of Clyde, Eric Colgan of Smiths Creek and is further survived by other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, August 7, 2008 at the Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Ontonagon, David Blake officiating. Friends may call at the church from Noon until the start of the service. Inurnment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Ontonagon. Additional service will take place Saturday August 9th at Pollock-Randall Funeral Home in Port Huron, MI. The Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family.