Debra Dawn Drysdale

Debra Dawn Ricks Drysdale, beloved wife, mother, sister, friend, and the best grandma and aunt a kid could ever have, passed away quietly with her loving husband by her side on October 4, 2026, in Tooele, Utah. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 12, 1955, to Kenneth “M” and Myra Oviatt Ricks. She married the love of her life, Lawrence E “Larry” Drysdale on June 29, 1985, in the Jordan River Temple, and enjoyed almost 42 years of faith, fun, and laughter together. They lived in Weare, New Hampshire for 26 years – a place that forever held a special place in Deb’s heart. She cherished her New Hampshire friends, loved the New England way of life, and delighted in welcoming visitors and introducing them to the beauty of the region. Wherever she lived, Deb brought love, laughter, friendship, and joy to those around her.

Deb graduated from Kearns High School and later from LDS Business College - the first member of her family to obtain a college degree. She served as a court clerk in the Third District Court in Salt Lake City, a position that brought its share of memorable and sometimes harrowing experiences. Later, she worked as an administrative assistant, and then as a paraprofessional, dedicating herself to helping children with special needs. She especially cherished working one-on-one with nonverbal children with autism, whom she lovingly considered some of heaven's sweetest angels.

A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she had a deep and abiding love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. Deb served in many callings, including Relief Society President and Young Women's President, always with profound love and care for those she served. For five years, she and Larry served in a church calling ministering to inmates in men's and women's correctional facilities throughout New Hampshire. Through gospel instruction, friendship, and Christlike compassion, they sought to bring hope, healing, and a sense of belonging to those often forgotten by society.

She also served two formal missions for the church, including a proselyting mission in Montreal, Quebec in the late 1970s. At the time of her passing, she was serving a service mission alongside Larry, teaching gospel classes to students around the world through BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Though her body was weakened, her spirit remained ever strong, and her testimony touched the hearts of those they taught.

Perhaps Deb’s greatest mission for her Savior was to serve His little ones. Throughout her life, she served children and youth in official and unofficial capacities. In addition to her paraprofessional work, she showed her love for children as a volunteer for Camp Kostopulos, as an early morning seminary teacher, and especially by opening her home and heart to so many children who needed a place of comfort, acceptance, and love.

Deb, you have touched so many lives for the good. We will miss you, we will carry your loving example with us, and we will look forward to a beautiful reunion one day.

She is survived by her husband Larry; son Daniel (Elizabeth) Drysdale, Hyrum; grandsons David, Erik, and James; sister Kathi Beecher, West Valley City; brother Martin (Sherrie) Ricks, Herriman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and neighbor kids to whom she was a beloved “second mom.” Preceded in death by her parents, sisters Karen Burkman and Barbara McCullough, and brother-in-law Greg Beecher.

The family extends its deepest gratitude and affection to the current and former staff of Rocky Mountain Care at Willow Springs, along with the incredible Hospice Team. Throughout the last four years, they surrounded Deb with compassionate care, genuine friendship, and heartfelt love, becoming an important part of her extended family. Their visits, both current and former staff, in her final days brought comfort and joy, reflecting the profound influence she had on those who came to know and love her.

Funeral services for Deb will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City. Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at this location, and one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment: Valley View Memorial Park.