Debbie L. Ryckman

Debbie L. Ryckman

September 21, 1950 – November 7, 2021

Debbie was born Deborah Lucille Walker in Caro, Michigan.  She married her high school sweetheart, Kirk Ryckman in 1970, while both were students at Michigan State.  Debbie became a first-grade teacher in 1972, teaching her last 20 years in Millard Public School.  She was a dedicated and extraordinary teacher who touched her students’ lives for the better.

She belonged to Presbyterian Church of the Cross, where she served as a deacon. Debbie also belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma, and P.E.O.

Family was of the utmost importance to her, and she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  She is survived by her loving husband, Kirk; two wonderful daughters and their husbands, Kara Chappell (Ryan); and Lauren Ballou (Casey); 5 precious grandchildren: Sophie, Emma, Barrett, Hallie, and Cecelia; her sisters: Pam Gibson (Mike); Kim Putnam; and Susan Houlihan (Brad); nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, November 13^th at 11am at Presbyterian Church of the Cross, 1517 S. 114^th Street, Omaha, NE 68144.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Presbyterian Church of the Cross where they will be channeled toward an endowed student scholarship through the Millard Public School Foundation.

To view a live broadcast of Funeral Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.

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Debbie was born Deborah Lucille Walker in Caro, Michigan.  She met her high school sweetheart Kirk Ryckman at 16, in Saginaw Michigan.  Their love grew and they were married in 1970, while both were students at Michigan State. 

In their 55-year-loving relationship, Kirk and Debbie supported each other through cross-country moves, new jobs, and joys of raising two wonderful daughters.

Debbie became a teacher in 1972, primarily teaching first grade for 27 years.  She took time away from teaching to be a stay-at-home mother to her daughters.  Debbie spent her last 20 years in the classroom in Millard Public Schools.   Many children, parents, colleagues, and administrators felt the impact of her caring and effectiveness as a teacher of young students.  Debbie left a lasting impact on every person she met.  She had a gift for making everyone feel appreciated and special.  She was gentle and kind, a wonderful listener, and so very strong.

Family was of the utmost importance to her, and she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  She loved family holidays, cooking, playing the piano, collecting Polish pottery, and quilting (or at least collecting fabric).

Debbie belonged to Presbyterian Church of the Cross, where she served as a deacon.  She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an organization of professional women educators, and P.E.O which supports the advancement of women and supports Cottey College.

She is survived by her loving husband, Kirk; two wonderful daughters and their husbands, Kara Chappell (Ryan), Lauren Ballou (Casey); 5 precious grandchildren: Sophie, Emma, Barrett, Hallie, and Cecelia; her sisters: Pam Gibson (Mike), Kim Putnam, and Susan Houlihan (Brad); nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, November 13^th at 11am at Presbyterian Church of the Cross, 1517 S. 114^th Street, Omaha, NE 68144.  A luncheon will follow.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Presbyterian Church of the Cross where they will be channeled toward an endowed student scholarship through the Millard Public School Foundation.

To view a live broadcast of Funeral Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page and will be available to view for 60 days.