Deborah Smith O’Brien September 23, 1952 - December 6, 2023

Deborah (“Debbie”) Smith O’Brien of Salem, UT was called home to the loving arms of her Heavenly Father and her sweet husband, Bob, on Wednesday, December 6th, 2023, after battling Parkinson’s Dementia. She fought so hard to stay with us- especially at the end- but we have peace knowing how much she is loved and needed on the other side.

Debbie was born Sept 23^rd, 1952 in SLC, UT, to Howard Barber and Elma Bowen Smith. She was the youngest of 5 children and was therefore spoiled accordingly. “Debbie Doll” was one of many terms of endearment used by her adoring mom and brothers, as well as her large, extended family. Which is fitting because she really was adorable! She spent her happy childhood and teenage years attending schools in Spanish Fork and graduated from SF High School in 1970, along with her handsome sweetheart. “Bob & Deb” as they were affectionately known (because they were never without the other) had a love most people can only dream of, so they made it official. Bob pulled a ring out of his boot at a concert, yelled the question and she screamed YES! They married on Nov 27, 1970 and were sealed in the Manti Temple one year later. This beautiful love story resulted in 5 children, 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Debbie was so proud of their legacy and found no greater joy than spending time with her family. Even in her last difficult years, when she struggled finding her purpose, her family never doubted how much they needed her sweet spirit and unconditional love. We are still at a loss as to how we will go on without her.

Debbie was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which she loved with all her heart, and set a near perfect example of her faith. She taught her kids the Gospel and created a very kind, loving, Christ-centered home. She also served in many church callings and especially loved her most recent one as temple worker. She was a great example and friend to all that knew her.

Debbie had so many gifts and talents- especially when it came to working with people- so once all her kids were in school, she started a career in real estate. She absolutely thrived in this industry, where she spent most of her time working as an agent for the former Osmond Real Estate. She was smart, kind, honest, funny, loyal and gave her clients 100%. In fact she was so good at her job that she was able to grow her business simply by word of mouth. If you worked with Debbie once, she was your agent for life. Her clients loved her and knew how lucky they were to have her in their corner. And she balanced work and family like a champ. In fact she was so good at it that her kids often forgot she had a job outside of raising them. She was happy, loving and kind and regardless of what was going on in her life, she always managed to show up in the time, place and way she was needed- not just for her family, but for everyone.

Our mom really was the best mom, but she was also the best friend. She was the first person we would call with both good news and bad. She was the one you could count on for good advice. She was the listening ear that would laugh, cry or vent with us- whatever we needed at the time. She was the mom that would move heaven and earth to get to a game or dance performance. She was the voice in our heads, telling us we deserved all that was good in this world. When I say she was our everything, (along with our dad,) truer words were never spoken. We were blessed with the best and so were our kids. She was such a good grandma. Whether she was having BOMB Club (Book of Mormon, Bible,) in the stands at a game or just hanging out and watching a movie, she was up for it if she got to spend time with her grandkids

Debbie was all these things, but most of all she was a wonderful wife. The love she had for her sweet husband only grew stronger over the years and she has missed him terribly- especially his corny jokes she’d sometimes roll her eyes at but we knew inside she was laughing. He could always make her smile, but since his passing that smile is a little less bright. Always positive and never complaining, we still knew her heart was broken and for that reason, her passing is a gift. She is free from grief and pain, she’s with the love of her life and she’s earned her crown. It’s bittersweet and we are happy for her.

Our angel mom leaves behind her four daughters and one son. Ashlee Robertson of Payson; April Bills (Titus) of Salem; Alys O’Brien of Spanish Fork; Robert “Robby” O’Brien (Brooke) of Spanish Fork; Abbie Mitchell (Clint) of Elk Ridge; 18 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; brother Garth (Sandi) Smith of Meridian, ID; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was proceeded in death by her husband Robert James O’Brien; father Howard B Smith;  mother Elma Smith; brothers Greg and Michael Smith and sister Sandy (Smith) Langford.

A viewing for Debbie will be held Sunday December 10th, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork. The funeral will be held the following day at the LDS chapel, 160 S 460 W Salem, UT, at 11:00am with a brief viewing beginning at 9:45am.

Our family would like to thank the thoughtful, kind staff at Orchard View Assisted Living in Payson, UT. The care and consideration you showed to our sweet mom meant the world to us and we are forever grateful. We also appreciate the love and support of countless family members and friends. You have all shown such love and we want you to know we’ve felt your prayers. Thank you.