Debra Sue Little

Debra Sue Little—known affectionately as Deb, Ma-ga, and “My Little Debbie Snack Cake”—passed into the arms of her Savior on May 27, 2025, just shy of her 70th birthday. She was surrounded by her family, love, and the peace of a life lived faithfully in Christ.

Born on June 30, 1955, in Olney, Illinois, Deb lived a rich life across Illinois, Kansas, Virginia, Arkansas, Texas, Montana, Japan, England, and Turkey—but for half her life, Nebraska was home. It’s where her roots went deep, her garden flourished, her bread baked to perfection, and her family expanded.

She is survived by the love of her life, Will Little. Together they shared decades of ministry, family, and many eye-rolls. Their love story began at Hinky Dinky grocery store, where they worked—until getting fired together. Clearly, that teamwork stuck.

Deb was the quiet force behind a loud and loving family: daughters and sons-in-law Lisa (Scott) Ausenbaugh and Beth (Jed) Mullenix; grandchildren Kirstyn and Ally Ausenbaugh, Raychel (Kade) Hellmann, Jarin (Kenadey), Brooks, Karlie, Elise, and Lydia Mullenix; and great-grandchildren Ezra Callihan and Liam Hellmann. She also leaves behind her siblings Tony Berberich, Cynthia Nebrigich, and Brenda Cheney. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elverta Berberich, and her brother Bradley.

She worked for various banks throughout her life and spent her final working years at the University of Nebraska Extension Office as the friendly face at reception. There, she loved her coworkers, provided a calming presence, and helped connect people to subject matter experts.

Her love for Jesus was the cornerstone of her life. As a longtime member of Calvary Christian Church, Deb was a faithful teacher, mentor, servant, and friend. She and Will spent over four decades teaching high school students, leading college and singles groups, and serving meals together at the Empty Tomb Mission.

Deb’s true passion was adventuring with Will and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Together, they baked bread, sewed Christmas stockings, planted gardens, canned apples, baked apple “crit,” and so much more.

Her life and legacy can be captured in a favorite passage of Scripture, Psalm 100, verse 5. “For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”

As Deb delighted in God’s goodness and unfailing love, she regularly asked God to pour out his faithfulness on each of us who have loved her so deeply.

In honor of Deb, the family invites you to bake something for someone you love or call someone who needs encouragement. That was Deb’s way of saying, “you are loved”.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Calvary Christian Church at 10 AM. Calvary is located at 10100 Cedar Island Road in Bellevue, Nebraska, 68123. The live stream of the memorial service can be watched at https://calvary.ch/specialevent.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Deb’s memory may be made to Moving Vets Forward at mvfne.org.

A private interment will be held for family at the Omaha National Cemetery at a later date.