Obituary: Deborah Darr Wright, 76, of Ludington

June 27, 2025

Deb Wright

After a long battle with dementia, Deb Wright, 76 of Ludington, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Deb was born in Bethesda, Md. to Louis and Virginia Darr, and the family later moved to Arlington, Va. where she attended elementary school and high school. She attended college at James Madison University in Virginia and graduated in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Debbie met her husband Dave in Portsmouth, Va. where she had her first teaching job. The two fell in love and were married on July 7, 1972, enjoying married life with daughter Sunday (Wright) Smith. A few years later they welcomed Kelly (Wright) Tiedgen into the family. In 1980, Deb and Dave moved to Ludington to build their dream home, a geodesic dome.

Upon moving to Ludington, Deb started working at West Shore Community College as a special needs advocate. In 1986 she accepted a role at West Central Michigan Employment and Training Consortium. This job included travel and in 1988 Deb was waiting at the stoplight at the corner of US 10 and US 31 where she was hit by a semi truck driver who suffered a seizure while driving. She miraculously survived and after many months of rehabilitation, made a full recovery.

Deb took a job at Mason County Health Department and her career was filled with advocating for and helping others. Of the many jobs and volunteer activities she participated in, Deb was most proud of her work for the Ludington Optimist Club, where she mentored students in the Foster Elementary reading program and ultimately served as club president for a term. She also loved the work she did on the Ludington Boardwalk project through Disability Network. She raised money for the project through the sale of engraved boards which culminated in the installation of the boardwalk providing ADA access from the parking lot to the water’s edge at Stearns Park. The work Deb did as the chairwoman for The United Way campaign filled her with joy and was a true testament to her generosity with her time and talents to the community.

Deb was an avid reader and loved to collect books. She collected so many in fact, we all wondered whether or not she was planning to open her own library. Debbie also loved her flower garden, sitting on the deck watching the birds and enjoying life in the country. She was also a lover of all things beautiful and artsy, especially jewelry. Her eclectic collection of jewelry was known to be her signature fashion statement.

Deb and Dave built their dream home and a beautiful life filled with love and laughter. They enjoyed supporting their daughters in various sporting and music events, gardening, travel and cooking. Deb was the biggest Washington Redskins fan in Ludington (so far as we know). She loved rooting for her beloved Washington Redskins (Washington Commanders now), and other favorite sports teams. Deb had the most generous soul and she poured it out on her family, friends and community. She was a devoted and involved mother and dialed it up two notches when her grandchildren came onto the scene. Deb had 4 grandchildren that she just couldn’t help spoiling. No matter where she was, she always managed to find something to buy for a grandchild. Gifts were her love language and her generous nature kept us all well-equipped. She loved her family with all her heart and we all felt it.

Deb is survived by her beloved husband Dave Wright; her daughters Sunday (Brad) Smith and Kelly (Scott) Tiedgen; her treasured grandchildren Macey (Tiedgen) Zinck (Andy), Jackson Tiedgen, Kennie Smith, and Kainan Smith. She also leaves behind a brother Michael Darr (Addie); sister- in- law Jill Iteen and many nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

In memory of Deb, donations can be made to support the work of Ludington Optimist Club.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel.