Deborah Wood, 80, Bismarck, passed away, May 20, 2026, with family and a close friend by her side.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, May 28, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck, ND.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM, on Wednesday, May 27, at Parkway Funeral Service.

Burial will be held at 9 AM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Deb, as she liked to be called, was born in Bismarck on Dec 27th, 1945. She really did not mind that her birthday was squeezed in between two of the biggest holidays of the year. She loved all things Christmas, the decorations, shopping, wrapping, music and most importantly the story of baby Jesus. We just made sure that we celebrated her day as well.

Deb grew up in Linton, ND and especially enjoyed her high school years along with her many friends. She enjoyed music and playing in the HS band. She also loved swimming, which is why she earned her WSI certification. With this, she was able to lifeguard and teach swimming at the local Linton pool.

In 1968 Deb met her future husband at Dickinson State College. A short engagement led to a long marriage- 57 years. Robert (Bob) and Deb together raised 2 children, Christopher (Chris) and Elizabeth (Libby). Deb gave everything she had as a mother but the role that she most cherished was that of Nana. Her three Grandboys, Zach and Ben Wood (Chris’s sons) and Logan Barrett (Libby and Brian’s son), were her pride and joy. Her life revolved around her family and her focus was always on them. She celebrated, encouraged, and cherished each moment she spent with “her” 3 boys.

For a few years when Chris and Libby were older, she found time again to do what she enjoyed in her earlier years. She taught swimming at the YMCA, working with children of all ages and abilities. Deb also worked 2 sessions of the ND State Legislature (in the time of typewriter’s, not computers). She used much of the same skill set while being the “almost full-time back-up” secretary at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church here in Bismarck. Somehow, with all of that going on she still made time to complete her AA degree from Bismarck Junior College.

Deb loved many things, but these are just a few of her most favorites. First and foremost her family and friends, shoes, small dogs, Elvis, sewing and quilting, boating, swimming, and some baking, (brownies were a staple and Birthday cakes were an art form). For over 10 years Libby figure skated for the Bismarck Figure Skating Club. Deb never missed a practice, test session or competition and she was Libby’s alarm clock and driver no matter the time. Deb’s talented sewing skills allowed her to make all her beautiful dresses and costumes for skating competitions. While Deb was doing all of that she kept Chris well nourished and on time for basketball at Bismarck High. Despite winter weather she never missed a game.

Boating was our weekend summer vacation. Deb was an excellent water skier and taught many to do so. Chris, Libby, and countless friends were able to master the skill of skiing (Except for Bob, even though he tried at least once every year.) Her love of water led them to try something new. For a few years instead of skiing, they tried their hands at sailing. It did not take long for them to realize that sailing is something you should start in your younger years. Either way, Deb loved the water.

Quilting, when she was not sewing a costume or skating dress, was another art form and perfection always prevailed. Consequently, some projects remain unfinished as illness eventually diminished her abilities. But, in true Mom fashion, she has left strict instructions for Libby to complete. In due time.

Deb is survived by her husband, Bob; son, Chris Wood; daughter and son-in- law, Libby and Brian Barrett; and her 3 Grandboys, Logan Barrett, Zach and Ben Wood. She is also survived by her sister, Doni Mack; brother-in-law, Tony Mack; nephew, Jeff Mack and his family and niece Megan Mack and her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Ruth Ryckman; in-laws; brother-in-law, Joe Wood; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and too many dear friends to count. Not to be overlooked are her favorite furry friends, Lady, Brandi, and Belle- who brought her much companionship and comfort.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Lewey Bodies Demetia Association (LBDA) or the YMCA Children’s Programs.