Deborah Stricklan

Deborah (Debbi) Ann Stricklan, age 68, died peacefully in her home in Grants Pass, OR. on November 4, 2024. Debbi was surrounded by loving family and friends who cared for her during her living, dying, and beyond. Debbi was born to Dorothy Jean (Newton) and Gordon Wendyll Edmiston on March 18, 1956 in Los Angeles, California. Debbi was a creative and dynamic person who had many professions while raising children and grandchildren. When she lived in Honolulu, Hawaii, with her first husband, Steve King (who preceded her in death), she painted faces at the community theater and worked at the commissary at Hickman Air Force base. Later in life, after moving to Grants Pass, she tended bar at Herb’s La Casita, then was the shelter coordinator for the Women’s Crisis Support Team. Debbi found her calling in social work. She eventually worked for the Oregon Department of Human Services as a Case Manager, retiring from that position. In between these paid positions, she did extensive community service including Chamber of Commerce and serving as Chair of the Josephine County Housing Authority. 

More than her professional achievements, it was her personal characteristics that Debbi’s friends and family adored. Debbi was known for her robust Facebook groups geared toward women, astrologists, and dachshund lovers. She cajoled her family into helping her create extensive Faery Dinners during summer visits, bringing a fanciful meal to her loved ones on the land where she lived with her long time spouse Richard “Dick” Stricklan (who preceded her in death). Debbi and Richard were able to travel to many far away lands, and also reenacted covered wagon trips right here at home. 

Debbi was playful, engaging her 10 grandchildren in different types of activity. She compensated them to search and deliver wild turkey feathers, was known to bless them using the tapping of a wooden sword on each shoulder, and dressed them all in kilts for the Highland Games. She accompanied them to National Parks, Disneyland, and on the daily activities of learning to “adult”. 

Deborah is survived by four children: Steve, Chelsea, Devon and Lauren and two step-sons: Dean and Royce. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Erik, Alex, Brennan, Laila, Jai, Rubi, Jonah, Lily, London and William and 12 step-grandchildren. She has two living siblings: Michael and Rebekah. Preceding her in death is step-son Ron and sibling William. 

A celebration of life will be held at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors in Grants Pass at 1 PM on November 26th.

Please share a memory of Deborah in her Guestbook.