Deby Lyn Hicks

Deby Lyn Hicks, 72, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Deby was born in Des Moines on September 27, 1953, to parents Harry Bradley Jr. and Marie (Boehl) Bradley Daffron. Deby and Dan Hicks were married on September 21, 1985, in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Deby attended Des Moines Public Schools, graduating from Hoover High School in 1971. She was a proud member of the Hooverette Dance and Drill Team. Deby also attended Iowa State University in Ames and American Institute of Business in Des Moines.

Deby's employment career included secretarial positions at a Des Moines law firm and at Plaza State Bank, meeting coordinator at National Feed Ingredients Association and merchandise buyer and catalog coordinator at ITA Group. Her last job was as an assistant manager at Mulligan's Indoor Golf and Keyster's Lounge, retiring in 2007. Deby worked well with people and enjoyed interaction with clients and customers.

Deby was an outgoing, loving and caring person to family and friends. Earlier in life Deby's house was often the site of parties and celebrations, many of which were planned and many impromptu. She grew up in a family that valued time spent together. Some of her fondest childhood memories included Saturday mornings with her father at his Des Moines printing company, usually followed by lunch at George the Chili King Restaurant, which became a lifetime favorite of hers. Deby loved being on or near the water. Other treasured memories include summer fun with family and friends at the family swimming pool, boating with family on the Mississippi River, family vacations in the trailer and motorhome and frequent trips to Quincy, Illinois to visit grandparents and numerous other relatives. Later in life vacations to Table Rock Lake in Missouri and West Lake Okoboji in Iowa with family and friends were special to her.

Deby was a fan of Iowa State Athletics, especially men's basketball. She and Dan faithfully watched the Cyclone games on television, celebrating together many great winning games but also the disappointment of some close losses. She was a fan of NASCAR and trips to see races were of great enjoyment to her, especially several trips to races in Las Vegas, Nevada. Deby also enjoyed bowling and golf. She was a lifelong animal lover and at most points in her life had at least one cherished pet, and at times more than one. Horseback riding was a favorite activity as a teenager. She was a longtime supporter of the Central Iowa Animal Rescue League.

Deby was preceded in death by her grandparents and parents, stepfather Wayne Daffron, in-laws Gary and Beverly Hicks, as well as uncles, aunts and other relatives.

Deby is survived by her husband Dan, sister Pam Harrison and brother-in-law Frank Harrison, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Randy and Debbie Hicks, and Gary and Jennifer Hicks. Also surviving are nephews Brad (Mary) Harrison, Brian Harrison, P. J. (Kelley) Harrison, Michael (Jennifer) Harrison, Justin Iverson, Zach Hicks and Ben Hicks. Nieces Cassie (Joel) Weisenburger and Madi Hicks, cousins David and Ron Appenbrink, as well as other relatives also survive Deby.

In lieu of flowers and plants the family requests memorials in Deby's name be made to the Central Iowa Animal Rescue League.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, March 27, 2026, at Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Following the service inurnment will take place at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.