Debra “Deb” Kay Bunzow of Freeland, Michigan

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home with her family by her side on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Debra Kay Ecker was born on July 29, 1953, in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Robert D. and Joline May (Eckart) Ecker. Growing up in Saginaw, Deb attended Arthur Hill High School, where she created many lasting memories and friendships.

Hardworking throughout her entire life, she was employed for 28 years with Meijer on Gratiot Road, serving as a General Merchandise Inventory Coordinator. The role of her lifetime, one she treasured and cherished above all others, was becoming a mother to her daughter, Heather, and son, Eric.

Her beloved dog, Molly, was more than a pet, she was a constant companion and her best friend. Deb enjoyed traveling to Kentucky to visit her son, Eric, meeting her “grandchickens,” and looked forward to seeing them online as often as she could.

Deb had a deep affinity for cardinals and delighted in their beauty. Whether she spotted one at home, or a party of them in Kentucky, their presence always brought her joy.

Deb enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and keeping busy. She liked cross-stitching, sewing, crafting, and canning in the fall. She was an excellent baker, understanding the secret ingredient to making anything taste good was baking it with “love.” Her little piece of heaven was spending time at her home, tending to her yard and pool.

Deb was fiercely independent, assertive, not afraid to speak her mind, and “always” made her son laugh at least once per day. Simply put, she was a priceless and profound mother and grandmother who loved selflessly. She will forever be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, her innate ability to communicate and connect with all people, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many wonderful memories and stories.

Surviving are her children: Heather McGregor of Saginaw; Eric Bunzow of Elsmere, Kentucky; three grandchildren: Keith McGregor, Jordan McGregor, and Morgan McGregor; six grandchickens; a brother, Robert “Bob” (Mary) Ecker of St. Charles; a brother-in-law, Les Spalding of Gladwin; a brother- and sister-in-law, Karl and Diane Bunzow of Sun City, Arizona. Also surviving are countless nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, Meijer family and dear friends, too numerous to mention, but held closely to her heart.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Amber Lynn Bunzow; parents, Robert and Joline Ecker; sister, Diane Spalding; nephew Leslie Spalding; special friend, Richard “Tricky Dick” Simon; and her beloved dog, Molly.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to their cousins Lori Schultz & Stephanie Yurcso, MyMichigan of Midland and MyMichigan Hospice for all the love and care they provided to Deb and the family.

A funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Julie Bailey will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to MyMichigan Hospice or the family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.