Deborah Velissa Berryhill Hartranft's Obituary
Deborah Velissa Berryhill Hartranft passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones the morning of December 2, 2023. Deborah was born February 17, 1958, in Fayetteville, Tennessee to Thomas and Faye Berryhill. She grew up in Lincoln County, TN, and attended Blanche Elementary. During her formative years, Deborah lived on a dairy farm. She would help with chores outside and help her grandma (mama) with the chores inside the house. Deborah was the only girl with 4 brothers. She grew up a tomboy and would do the things her brothers all did. She often spent time riding bikes, playing games, and beating up on her younger brother. Deborah did attend school at Woods Cross High for a time after moving to Utah in the early 1970s. After moving to North Salt Lake, Utah, she met and married Lee Woodard (deceased). Following that marriage, she married David Hartranft (deceased) in West Valley City, Utah, on March 31, 1979, and they had 3 daughters together, Katrina, Sabrina and Deborah Kay.
Deborah was beautiful, vibrant and fierce! A devoted mother to her girls. She always made sure that they had all that they needed no matter what. At times she worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, and though she would get exhausted, she was a dependable, hardworking employee. Deborah worked in the manufacturing field most of her working years. She spent most of the time raising her girls as a single parent. She loved to french braid their hair and dress them in matching outfits. Oftentimes, she would take her girls to the park on Saturday and spend quality time with them.
Deborah carefully cared for her mother and her stepfather through their old age and until each of them passed away.
Deborah had many hobbies such as coloring, diamond painting, reading, gardening, and watching football. She loved to watch her grandsons play football and attended as many games as possible. Deborah loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought her so much happiness. She also loved drives during the fall, the sound of rain on a tin roof, Dr. Pepper, cinnamon bread for breakfast, Tinkerbell, Hummingbirds, and listening to wind chimes. Her cat Boots was her constant companion over the last 13 years. He was her emotional support animal and would whine at her to make sure she took naps and gave him his treats. She loved him very much. Though Deborah spent most of her time with her family, she did have a few friends throughout her life that were very special to her, one of which was like a sister to her, Beverly. She loved Beverly dearly.
When Deborah would spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren they would cook food together like chicken noodle soup, watch their favorite tv shows or movies and play games. Deborah made it a point to bond with them all somehow.
Deborah is survived by her brothers Thomas Moore, Steve Moore, and David Berryhill (Carol). She is survived by her 3 daughters Katrina Herrera (Sherette), Sabrina Hartranft, and Deborah Hartranft; grandchildren Velissa, Jade, Albert, Carlos, Mya, Dallas, Austin, Makenzy, Kaydee, Xavior, Samarie, and Demerik; great-grandchildren Alazai and Azaria, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Deborah is preceded in death by her grandparents, her birth father Thomas Berryhill, her mother and stepfather Willie Faye White (George), ex-husband David Hartranft, brother Wayne Boyd, and brother Larry.
Viewing – Friday, December 8, 2023, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Funeral – Friday, December 8, 2023, from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Address: Premier Funeral Home 67 East 8000 South, Midvale, Utah
Interment – Mt. Olivet Cemetery – 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT, from 2:15 pm to 2:45 pm
Immediate Family and Close Friends are invited to a luncheon immediately following the graveside – Marcrest 2nd Ward LDS chapel 6170 West Marcrest Drive (3085 South) West Valley City, Utah
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