Debra Jean Ralston
June 7, 1952 – September 8, 2023
Debra J. Ralston, age 71, of Elkhorn, NE, peacefully passed away on September 8, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. She was born to parents Leonard and Donna (Dudden) Ralston on June 7, 1952, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
After graduating from Grundy Center High School, she moved to Omaha, NE to attend Patricia Stevens Fashion and Business College. Her career as an Executive Secretary started at Creighton Dental School, then Mobile, Durham Resources, ACI; the last 37 years she was with First Data Resources.
She retired on May 31, 2022, but stayed connected to the many friends she made while employed. Deb’s co-workers described her as an unsung hero who worked quietly and tirelessly to assist them in whatever they were working on. She was intimately involved in all organizational functions, from planning, preparation, working the event, and the cleanup afterward. She was a master scheduler—structured, organized, and quietly driven.
Deb was a very big sports fan, especially of the Nebraska Huskers and Creighton teams. She regularly drove to Lincoln with friends to attend the Husker football games.
The source of one of her greatest joys were her nieces and nephews and their families.
Deb was soft spoken, kind, and caring and showed true concern for her friends and their families. She always did for others before herself. If anyone or their family were ill, she was the person who immediately pulled people together to help however they could.
Deb was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Donna Ralston, and her brother, Timothy Ralston. She is survived by her brother, David (Janet) Ralston of Scottsdale, AZ, and their two children, Eric (Heather) Ralston of Owasso, OK, and Emmy Ralston of Tulsa, OK; her sister, Patti Ralston of Omaha, NE, and their two children, Nick Dean of Las Vegas, NV, and Emily Dean of Omaha, NE; her sister-in-law, Coleen Ralston of Grundy Center, IA, and her son T.J. (Lacy) Ralston of Jefferson City, MO.
We are honoring her wish to have a celebration of life with family and friends on a date to be determined.
Memorials may be directed to 35406 N. 85th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85266 which will be designated by the family at that time. For further information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.heafeyheafey.com.
The family is very grateful and blessed by the many relatives and friends who supported her, especially during the past year.
8 Comments
I got to know Debbie when I was a property manager at One Pacific Place in Omaha. She was working for George Haddix at that time and was a tenant in my building. I loved the times I spent with her. She always made me feel like she really cared about the things I was going through. Her calm demeanor was very comforting. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
A wonderful person to talk to and a blessing to have her help when needed at work. Deb was definitely a “go-to” person for anything and she was always polite, respectful and professional. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.
Such a loss. She was a great person. So kind and funny too. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Deb was the BEST! She was humble, kind, sincere, and knowledgeable. She could answer a variety of questions without having to look anything up. She was definitely a Go To person for help or advice on pretty much anything related to Fiserv/First Data. She was a blessing to know, and I enjoyed chatting with her at numerous work events she helped plan. She will be missed.
Deb was a great lady that only had kind words for everyone. She was of great support and we will miss her. She brought a lot of love to everyone she touches.
Deb has been a wonderful sister in law, Aunt, and dear friend for 44 years. She always thought of others before herself. Like all her family and relatives, kind, caring, loving and fun. I will miss her greatly and all the laughs we had, and keep the wonderful memories close to my heart. Deb, Love You Forever. Janet
Dave, Patty and families,
So sorry to hear of Deb’s passing.
Sending my sincerest sympathies!
I first met Deb at Rockbrook Spa over 40 yrs ago, along with other gals that became a close group of 4. After the Spa closing a couple of us joined Better Bodies as we liked the camaraderie of exercise. We continued to ‘walk’ outside around my or Deb’s area near Candlewood on weekends. With Jo’s tickets to the Husker games – we were blessed over the years. Every day I want to phone Deb and miss her so much. I send my sincerest sympathy to all Deb’s family and to all her friends & her former co-workers! Elaine
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