Mrs. Deborah Powers, age 86 of Fremont, formerly of Newaygo died Saturday, September 18, 2004 at the Newaygo Medical Care Facility near Fremont. She was born Deborah Dart in Norfolk, Virginia, where her father helped with the construction of the Naval Base, the daughter of Harriet (Lee) and Alfred Russell Dart on August 14, 1918. Her family then moved to Battle Creek and later to Lansing where her father continued in the construction business, helping to build Fort Custer and later general contracting. She attended Lansing Public School and then Western Michigan University where she received her teaching degree in Elementary Education and later a Masters degree in Education. She married Donald O. Powers on July 27, 1942 in Battle Creek. She was a Teacher for Newaygo Public Schools for 27 years. She was a member of First Congregational Church United Church of Christ of Fremont and a member of the Eastern Star and Michigan Education Association.

She is survived by her husband Donald Powers, her children David & Charylene Powers of Rockford, Douglas & Diane Powers of Fremont, Dr. Daniel & Carol Powers of Grand Haven, Mary & Greg Slominski of Newaygo, Mike & Amy Powers of Manistique, 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A. M from the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, Fremont on Saturday, September 25, 2004 with Rev. Ray Decker officiating. Visitation will be held 7-9 P. M. Friday, September 24, 2004 at the McKinley Newaygo Chapel. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P. M. Saturday at the Newaygo Cemetery. For Memorials please consider the Don & Debbie Powers Scholarship Fund C/O The Fremont Community Area Foundation.

McKinley Funeral Home, Newaygo 231-652-5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com