Deborah Sipe, 73, from Grand Forks, ND, died comfortably in her Apache Junction, AZ, home. Her unexpected passing of natural causes was discovered on June 10, 2023. Family is finding solace in the belief that Deborah passed in peace and now rests in peace.
Deborah served others passionately during her career in healthcare and local government. She always made memorable impressions on those whose lives she touched. She was a colorful artist who loved hard, lived with an open and curious mind, and thought she had a great sense of humor. Deborah will be sorely missed but not forgotten.
Deborah is preceded in death by her parents Loren and Ruth Kraft. She is survived by her siblings Loren (Marta) Kraft Jr., Ellen Hirchert, Linda (Clem) DeWitt, children Tim (Tanya) Dickie, Amie (Andrew) Thomas, Ruth (Ryan) Olson, and Jesse Borsheim. She had nine grandchildren; Jada, Carson and Blake Dickie, Lauren & Colton Hale, Clara & Elena Glodek, Henrik & Alice Olson.
Because I am Deb’s favorite (wait) only brother, I need to share some thoughts about my precious sister.
Deb and I were the “black sheep” of the family, but she also got the label of living to the beat of a different drum. She took pride in that label (as she should have), thereby, blessing others her way with her unique, sacrificial love.
She loved intentionally. You knew that she knew YOU, showing it in wonderfully creative ways.
Deb lived outside the norm because, honestly, the “norm” is pretty predictable, boring and stale, which she was not. That’s how she lived and loved.
She loved her family deeply.
She loved me deeply.
She made me feel more talented, brilliant, and cool than I actually am.
I’ll miss you Deb!
My hope is Heaven for us both through Christ.