August 26, 1949 - January 17, 2026
Debby Durham passed away peacefully on the evening of January 17, 2026, surrounded by all of her loving family. Known by many and cherished by all who knew her, Debby lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering passion for helping others - both people and animals alike. Her warm smile, compassionate heart, and tireless giving spirit touched countless lives in Fremont, Omaha, and beyond. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the love and light she brought to the world.
Debby is survived by her devoted son, Matt Milligan (Ashley) and loving daughter, Molly Milligan (Shine Adams); her three beloved grandchildren, Ava, Cole, and Grace, who were the joy of her life; her brother, Steve Durham; and her sisters, Sunny Lundgren and Lindy Boyer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Chuck and Margre Durham.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 26, 1949, Debby spent the last 50 years in Fremont, NE, calling it home since 1975. A proud graduate of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, she earned her degree in Education in 1971. She began her career teaching grade school children as an early educator for two years, where her natural nurturing instincts shone brightly. After the births of her children, Molly and Matt, she devoted herself fully to motherhood and homemaking, creating a loving home filled with warmth and care.
Debby's heart for service extended far beyond her family - she was a steadfast community volunteer and advocate for those in need. She passionately supported social programs, medical initiatives, the arts, and especially animal welfare through her generous giving and hands-on kindness. Her deep love for animals inspired her to help improve the lives of pets and strays, always believing every creature deserved compassion and a second chance. Whether through quiet acts of support or broader community efforts, Debby gave selflessly, putting others first and making the world a gentler, more caring place.
A memorial service to celebrate Debby's life will be held at Fremont Presbyterian Church, 520 West Linden Avenue, Fremont, NE 68025, Monday, January 26th, at 10:30 a.m. Debby would have loved if, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to organizations that reflected her deep commitment to caring for others and supporting those in need: Care Corps' LifeHouse in Fremont, Nebraska (providing shelter, food, clothing, case management, and life skills to those facing homelessness and poverty) - www.lifehousene.org; Open Door Mission in Omaha, Nebraska (empowering men, women, and families to break the cycle of homelessness through shelter, resources, meals, and transformational support) - www.opendoormission.org
Debby's legacy of love, caring, and giving will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace, knowing the profound difference she made.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
To view the service live please visit the church facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/presbyterianchurchfremont/
Condolences(7)
Denise Richards
Fremont, NE Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Debby was such a powerhouse and a huge part of Fremont. She quietly, behind the scenes, supported so many groups and people. She never asked for glory or recognition. To Debby's family, you can be assured she has earned her seat at God's table for eternity. Thank you, Debby, for your life of service to this community. You will be dearly missed and never forgotten. (Darlys Kopisch also wanted to send her condolences.)Carol Jardine Dworak
OMAHA, NE Wednesday, January 21, 2026 I am so very sorry about Debby's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. Debby's mother Marge Durham was a beloved Sorority Sister in the Omaha Gamma Phi Beta Alumnae Group and I wanted to remember Debby and Marge with a donation to the Open Door Mission.Bill and Evonne Williams
Omaha, NE Wednesday, January 21, 2026 We are saddened by the passing of Debby. She was supportive of our non-profit Patriotic Productions and enjoyed working with her. Looked forward to receiving her Christmas card with a family photo.It was a life lived full. Evonne and I are sorry for your loss.
Karoly Mirnics
Omaha, NE Tuesday, January 20, 2026 We had only one meeting, a few month ago. Yet, I will forever remember your kindness and smile - you left a lifetime of impression on my soul. You and your generosity made a difference in the life of children with autism, providers and the community. Your amazing legacy lives on. We will all miss you greatly, you are one of a kind! Rest in peace, Debby.Barry C Reker
Fremont, NE Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Debby was a generous kind and caring person, being one of John C Fremont Days most reliable donors.She was also very generous as a donor for the Bob Bruner Memorial Fishing Derby. Allowing many area families to learn fishing, and how to enjoy the great outdoors for recreation and family solidarity!
Her willingness to share of the Debby Durham Family Foundation was unwavering...Thank you from the bottom of my heart...your generosity and kindness, will be greatly missed by many
Barry C Reker
Past President John C Fremont Days
Co-coordinator of the Bob Bruner Memorial Fishing Derby
Rick Harris
Omaha, NE Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Thoughts and prayers to the entire family- I worked at Debby’s house a lot of times , she was a special lady- we chatted a lot - she would give me tickets for my wife and her mom to go out , when my wife died she was so supportive, we talked a lot about my wife- Tammy passed away January 17 , and now I can’t believe Debby passed away on January 17 ! Debby was a unique and special woman- prayers to the family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Joann Williams
Fremont, NE Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Matt Mollie and families I was deeply saddened to hear about your mom. She was a great person and did many great things for people everywhere. I taught second grade Sunday school with your mom at the Presbyterian church for years and would always enjoyed seeing and talking with both of you after Sunday school when you’d come up to ride home with your mom. God Bless and take care. Sincerely Joann Williams