Deborah Anne (Dykes) Dawson was born in Rushville, NE on July 18, 1956 to Max and Marlene (DeWitt) Dykes. Deb passed away peacefully at age 65 in her home south of Kilgore, NE on August 8, 2021.

Deb was the oldest daughter of Max and Marlene's six children. Growing up as a teacher's daughter she attended school in Oxford, NE; Mullen, NE; and graduated from Ogallala, NE in 1974. After graduation, she attended Chadron State College where she became part of Chi Omega Sorority and met Larry Dawson at the Ashby Catholic Ladies Dance. They were united in marriage on June 19, 1976 in Ogallala, NE and just celebrated their 45 ^th anniversary this past summer. They made their home in the Sandhills on the Rockin' J Ranch for 26 years, then other ranches throughout the Sandhills. To this union they were blessed with four children Jessica Jerene, Andrew Robert, Kayla Joan, and Erin Marie. She was very blessed with family and witnessed her children marrying and having children of their own.

Deb had many different occupations over the years including florist, Cody-Kilgore High School food services director and cheerleading sponsor, ranch cook, and presently her treasured job at Auntie D's in Valentine. Her greatest blessings were her eight grandchildren. She loved to take her grandkids on trips and traveling to watch them in their accomplishments. Deb shared her hobbies of crafting, sewing, and baking with her grandkids. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting family gatherings at holidays. She fiercely loved her family, her friends, and everyone she knew.

Deb was preceded in death by her father Max Dykes, Grandparents John and Yvonne Dykes, Russell and Ghita DeWitt, and Theresa DeWitt.

Survivors include husband Larry of Kilgore, daughter Jessica (Andy) Coyle and Brooklyn of Nenzel, NE, son Andrew (Kasey) Dawson, Shyanne, Sydnee, and Syerra of Valentine, NE, daughter Kayla (Kyle) Helms, Lillian and Abigail of Arapahoe, NE, daughter Erin (Chris) Petersen, Brody and Rigley of Valley, NE; mother Marlene Dykes of Mullen, NE; siblings John Dykes, Wendy (Doug) Lee, Jim Dykes, Tom (Mary) Dykes, and Ghita Dykes; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Services will be at the United Methodist Church in Valentine, NE at 11am CST on August 13, 2021 with visitation at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines on August 12 ^th from 5-8pm CST.