Debra J. Chingman's Obituary
Debra J. Chingman, age 73, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, following a courageous battle with several illnesses.
A lifelong resident of the area, Deb was born in Muskegon on November 29, 1952. She spent her childhood growing up in Twin Lake, making memories in the close-knit village of Lakewood, before spending the majority of her adult life building a home and community in the greater Muskegon area.
In her younger years, Deb was the life of the party, frequently hosting lively get-togethers with Dan and partying to the break of dawn with their close circle of friends. In the late 1990s, she and Dan chose to put the partying life behind them, refocusing their time and energy entirely on their family and closest lifelong friends, creating a quiet, close-knit legacy of love and support. Deb was a woman of beautiful contrasts—deeply traditional in her devotion to her family, yet entirely unique in her passions. For roughly 20 years, she channeled her natural gift for caregiving into her work as a home health specialist, dedicatedly visiting the homes of others to provide the vital care they could no longer manage themselves.
After she was involved in a life-altering automobile accident that led to her retirement, Deb transitioned into her full-time role as a devoted homemaker, stay-at-home wife, and pet mom. Her home was her sanctuary, and taking care of her husband, Daniel Chingman, and her fur babies was her greatest pride. She took immense joy in the daily rhythms of family life, ensuring Dan always had a lunch packed for work and a hot dinner waiting for him when he came home, and pulling out all the stops to cook unforgettable holiday feasts for her loved ones.
While she excelled at the traditional arts of cooking and keeping a meticulous home, Deb also possessed a vibrant, rock-and-roll spirit. She had a lifelong fascination with dragons, a deep love for heavy metal music—with Iron Maiden holding a special place at the top of her playlist—and a massive heart for animals. Over the years, she loved and nurtured many pets, with her favorites, Max and Sasha, holding a particularly dear place in her heart. True to her caregiving nature, Deb made sure every animal was thoroughly spoiled with tasty treats, a generous affection she extended tenfold to her grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored spoiling at every opportunity.
Deb is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel Chingman; her son, Jeremiah Evans; her stepson, Anthony Chingman; her daughter-in-law, Wenona Evans; her adored grandchildren, Michael Evans, Tyler Evans, and Aubrey Evans; and her great-grandchild, Jaylee Evans. She also leaves behind her sisters, Mary Sheparski, Jeryl Reilly, and Marva Pike; her brother, John Reilly; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Geraldine Reilly; her beloved son, Wesley Evans; her brother, Ronald Reilly; and her sisters, Barbara Reilly-Nichols, Elaine Reilly, and Patricia Hawkins.
In accordance with Deb's wishes, cremation will take place, and a private viewing for her immediate family will be held.
Deb’s life will be honored in a private celebration of life by her family at a later date. A Facebook event will be created, and invitations will be shared later this summer.
Arrangements made through The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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