Deborah J. Reid's Obituary
The Lord called one of His “best” home unexpectedly on Friday, January 29, 2010 while she was at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Deb was born December 4, 1947 in Muskegon to Budd and Jayne (Nelson) Reid. She was employed by the Oceana County Department of Social Services from October 1971 and retired in June 2002. Except for her work with the adult foster care program in Ottawa County Department of Social Services from 1977 to 1979, she spent over 29 years providing services to the residents of Oceana County. Her compassion and devotion to the poor led her to serve on the Oceana County Department of Human Services Board from August 2002 through November 2008, where she served as Vice-Chair from December 2002 through November 2008. This Board also supervised the building of the Oceana County Medical Care Facility. During her career with the Department of Human Services, Deb served in various capacities including: Services Supervisor, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Assistant to the Director and as Acting Director. Deb was an advocate in the community for families in poverty. She served on the Community Action Against Poverty (CAAP) Board for several years and also served as President of the Oceana County Council on Aging Board for over 15 years. Deb was instrumental in organizing the Good Samaritans Ministry in Oceana County: a group formed of ministers, social services agencies and other volunteers to provide services to people who did not qualify for services from the Department of Human Services. Her dedication and tireless effort resulted in a new building for the Oceana County Department of Human Services in February 2002. Deb will be remembered most for her comforting smile and for her unconditional support in good times and bad. Deb had a special love and devotion for her family; each member was special. She always made sure everyone was taken care of before herself. Deb recently remarked she most enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She is survived by her mother, Jayne; 2 sisters, Nancy Gelderloos and Pamela (Robert) Ronning; 1 nephew, Richard Gelderloos, Jr.; 1 niece, Deanna Gelderloos and special aunt, Doris Terrien all of Muskegon; many very special friends near and far as well as her pet, Heidi. She was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Reid and father Budd Reid. MEMORIALS in Deb’s name may be made to American Liver Foundation American Liver Foundation, 6689 Orchard Lake Road #125, West Bloomfield, MI 48322.
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