Debra Lynne Bridges Marshall

On June 29, 2023, Heaven rejoiced, and Earth mourned, as our wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and niece, Debra Lynne Bridges Marshall, passed peacefully from her mortal body, surrounded by the most cherished gift that life gave her; her family. 

Debbie was born on August 25, 1958, in Ogden, Utah, to goodly parents, Jim Durrant and Deanna Burnett Bridges. She grew up in Sunset, Utah in a loving home with four sisters and one baby brother. Many endearing memories were created, playing with neighborhood friends, spending time on her grandma and grandpa's ranch in East Canyon, and developing strong bonds with her siblings and cousins who were like siblings. Debbie excelled in academics and took pride in her education. She graduated from Clearfield High School at the top of her class in 1976, where she served as a student body officer. She took satisfaction in the fact that she named the street that Clearfield High is on, Falcon Drive. She knew her high school fight song (even the second verse) and loved that her husband and girls were also Clearfield High alumni. 

On September 8, 1977, Debbie married her eternal sweetheart and best friend, David Marshall, in the Salt Lake Temple, and from there, the rest is history. Dave and Debbie made their home in West Point, where they raised their four girls, Karalee, Natalie, Krista, and Hollie. Debbie found great joy in her girls and felt it essential that her girls formed strong bonds with each other. Her girls will miss picking up the phone to call her at any time to get advice, late-night chats at the end of her bed, and spontaneous drives with just “one more time around the block.”  She had the gift of discernment and empathy and was able to sense the needs of those around her whether that be physical, spiritual, or emotional. She created a home where everyone was welcome, whether it be impromptu parties her daughters orchestrated for their friends or family get-togethers. Debbie loved her family fiercely. Very few things were more important to her than being a mom and grandma. You’d often find her at plays, dance recitals, sporting events, and anything that had to do with her grandkids, she was there. Grandma time was the best time. Each grandchild held such a special place in her heart, and she made each one feel so uniquely loved. Her grandkids will fondly remember and deeply miss her annual gingerbread party, Bear Lake treasures, and Grandma sleepovers with “homemade” cinnamon rolls. 

Debbie was a nurturer by heart and an educator by trade. She graduated from Weber State University in 1992 and that next Fall started her career as a first-grade teacher at West Point Elementary where she was “lucky” enough to teach her daughter Hollie. From there her career soared as she taught grades first through fifth where many students loved and adored her. Debbie was a lifelong learner and after raising her family decided to continue her education where she pursued her master’s degree in administration. She started her career as a principal at Bountiful Elementary, but after her daughter Natalie passed away, she had the opportunity to move to Ellison Park Elementary to be the principal of her grandkids’ school. After serving there for four years, Debbie’s career came full circle when she returned to West Point Elementary as the Principal. While working for Davis School District, Debbie became a mentor and lifelong friend to many.

Debbie was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One thing Debbie was absolutely certain of was her resounding faith in her Savior Jesus Christ and His resurrection. She served in many capacities throughout her life, ministering to those in need and serving whenever asked. From Young Women’s President to Relief Society President, Debbie was always there. She loved the West Point 4th Ward members, past and present, and cared deeply for each and every one of them.

After retiring last year, Debbie was able to do what she loved most, with whom she loved most, traveling with her sweetheart, Dave. Over the years of their marriage, Debbie and Dave were able to visit New York, Hawaii, Mexico, Nauvoo, Alaska, the Grand Canyon, the Redwoods, Yosemite, many trips to Yellowstone, Bear Lake, and Disneyland with lots of road trips in between. Preparing to serve a mission together, Debbie went in to have a routine hip replacement but unfortunately, complications arose. She fought valiantly for five months but was called home to start her heavenly mission with her daughter, Natalie, as her companion. What a joyous reunion it was with her daughter; grandson, Briggs; her mom and dad; and sister, Becky. 

Debbie left behind her husband; her three daughters and sons-in-law: Karalee (Joshua) Lyman of Brigham City, Krista (Dustin) Harrah of Syracuse, Hollie (Zachary) Zendejas of West Point, and Byron (Heidi) Garritson of West Haven; ; her sisters and brother: Jan (Karl) Sewell, Julie (Matthew) Wood, Lynda (Brian) Smith, and Todd (Candace) Bridges; 14 grandchildren: Olivia, Claire, Alyssa, Gracee, Jaxon, Brogan, Bennett, Caden, Scarlett, James, Harrison, Natalie, Meela, and Dawson. 

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the West Point 4th Ward Chapel, 2852 West 300 North, West Point, Utah 84015.

Friends and relatives may visit the family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023, at the Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary, 869 South 2000 West, and Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the church house. Interment, West Point City Cemetery, 80 North 4000 West.

In lieu of flowers, we have set up The Debra Marshall Memorial Book Drive. Please feel free to donate a new book that will be given to a local elementary school in Debbie’s honor. Funds can also be donated to purchase books at any America First Credit Union to the Debra Marshall Memorial account (9127143).

A special thanks to all the healthcare workers, especially the University of Utah Hospital, for taking excellent care of our wife and mom. 

We will miss you, Mom. You are “Practically perfect in every way”, and we will keep a Diet Coke in the drink holder just for you.

Condolences may be shared, and live streaming of the services may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Debra’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com.

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