Deb May Michael passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021 in Haxtun at the age of 62.

She was born Sept. 6, 1958 in Burlington to Nova Joy (Hatfield) and James McCoin. She attended and graduated in Stratton High School in 1976. She continued her education at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling and finished her teaching degree at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

While attending NJC, she met her future husband, Brad James Michael. They were wed March 1, 1980 in Stratton. The couple made their home northeast of Haxtun. Deb started her teaching career at Fleming the fall of 1980 until retiring in 2015. In 1984 the couple was blessed with their first child Andrea Kay on Jan. 29. A second child, Aaron Lee, was born to them Jan. 20, 1987. They completed their family with the birth of a third child, Alan Austin on May 31, 1996. A devoted and loving mother, she attended all school and church functions for her children as she was their biggest fan.

Deb's passion for teaching over 35 years allowed her to touch and mold the lives of over 600 children. She delighted in the challenge that each student brought, kindling their individual abilities and sparking a love for learning. Adept in sign language, she taught her own children as well as her students the skill.

Farm life had her helping out summers, weekends and evenings driving tractor, chasing cows and fixing meals. Many fond/funny memories of, and with Deb, could be found in the corrals on the Michael Farm.

Highly devoted to her faith in Jesus Christ, she loved to sing and sign in the church choir, attend bible studies and loved to memorize scripture.

Downtime, when there was any, was filled by hand making cards and spending time and loving on her grandchildren. Also when Deb's mother, Joy, was in the nursing home, she spent time daily with her and the other residents doing activities, taking care of and having a love for them.

She is survived by her husband Brad Michael, Haxtun; mother-in-law Donna Michael, Haxtun; brother Jim and wife Lori McCoin, Castle Rock; children Andrea and husband Hazen Schlachter, Holyoke, Aaron and wife Elizabeth Michael, Haxtun, and Alan and wife Kimberlee Michael, Haxtun; grandchildren Nicole, Ryan and Meredith Schlachter and Colton Michael; sister-in-law Vicki and Rex Benson, Sterling; niece Cori McCoin and nephew Kellen McCoin, Castle Rock; best friend Dottie Oman; and many other family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her stepfather Richard Blancken; mother Nova Joy Blancken; father-in-law Leonard Michael; and many aunts and uncles.

Funeral services were held on May 15 at the Haxtun Community Center. Burial followed at the Fairfield Cemetery.