Debra Ralston

ELKHORN, Neb. — Debra J Ralston, age 71, of Elkhorn, Neb. peacefully passed away on Sept, 8, 2023, surrounded by family and friends.

Debra was born to parents Leonard and Donna (Dudden) Ralston June 7, 1952, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After graduating from Grundy Center High School she moved to Omaha, Neb. to attend Patricia Stevens Fashion and Business College.

Her career as an executive secretary started at Creighton Dental School, then Mobile, Durham Resources, ACI and the last 37 years at 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 very big sports fan, especially 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. While Deb moved from Grundy Center many years ago she returned to Grundy often and remained close to relatives and friends.

Debra is survived by: her brother David (Janet) Ralston of Scottsdale, Ariz., their two children, Eric (Heather) Ralston of Owasso, Okla. and Emmy Ralston of Tulsa, Okla.; her sister Patti Ralston of Omaha, Neb. and two children, Nick Dean of Las Vegas, Nev. and Emily Dean of Omaha, Neb.; her sister-in-law Coleen Ralston of Grundy Center 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.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Donna Ralston and her brother Timothy Ralston.

Memorials may be directed to 35406 North 85th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 and 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 Debra, especially during the past year.