Deborah Hickey (Debbie to her friends and family), a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2024, in Bend. She was born in Burns, on Oct. 8, 1949, to Marvin and Carolyn Merrill. Debbie was the heart of our family and will be remembered for her amazing capacity to love and her strength.  She dedicated her life to her family and was always there for us when we needed loving guidance, a helping hand, or a warm hug.

Debbie was married to Patrick Hickey on Jan. 24, 1976 and they started their life together while living in Ontario. In the early 1980’s, they moved back to Burns to help run the family restaurant, the Silver Sage. After a few years of working at the restaurant, Debbie was hired at the Malheur National Refuge and worked there for eight years as a Fire Management Assistant/Office Specialist. She loved her job at the refuge because of the people she worked with and because of her love of getting to work with and help with the wildlife. In 1997, Debbie made the decision to change careers and went to work for the Oregon Youth Authority.  In 2003, her husband transferred jobs to Portland, and Debbie also transferred to the Multnomah Parole and Probation and then on to the MacLaren Youth Correctional facility, where she retired from in 2011.

After retirement and the death of her husband in 2012, Debbie moved to Meridian, Idaho. While living in Meridian, Debbie did volunteer work with an animal shelter and worked part-time as a paraprofessional for special needs children.  Debbie was a very social person and made many friends while being part of different organizations. Debbie loved to host people in her home for special occasions. Debbie enjoyed the outdoors and often went for walks for exercise and to just be out in nature.

Nothing was more important to Debbie than her family and she spent as much time as possible with her grandchildren and when the great grand babies came along she loved to spend time with them and give them so much love. Debbie enjoyed meeting new people and spending time with friends and was always up for an adventure.  Debbie loved to travel and often went back and forth between Boise and Burns so that she could keep up with friends and family in both places. 

Debbie was proceeded in death by her parents, Marvin and Carolyn Merrill; the love of her life, her husband, Patrick Hickey, and many wonderful grandparents, aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her children: Lisa Dave (Terald) and Kelly Cullens (Jason); grandchildren:  Saleena Englestadter Peck (Anthony), Bjorn Petersen (Bekka), Ty Englestadter (Kaitlyn), and Leon Dave (Bobbi); and great-grandchildren:  Deacon Petersen, Alexandria Petersen, and Holter Peck. Deborah is also survived by her amazing siblings and their spouses, nieces and nephews: Lynn Reagan (Mike), Mark Merrill (Melinda), and Leslie Shoemaker (Rick).

Debbie’s Memorial service will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m., at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Burns. There will be a potluck after the service at the meeting hall next to the church.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hospice House as Debbie received wonderful care there and the family is very grateful for them.

Hospice House / Partners In Care

Attn: Development

2075 NE Wyatt Ct

Bend, OR 97701