Deborah Rieger

Rieger, Deborah A. (Hays)
November 13, 1920 - April 8, 2013
Deborah A. (Hays) Rieger, wife of former Academy of Television Arts and Science President Henry Rieger, passed away quietly on April 8, 2013 in Oceanside, CA, with her husband, family members, and her beloved terrier mix, Girl, at her side. She had heart and kidney problems for several years.
Deb will be remembered for her elegance, vivacity and wit. She appreciated beautiful objects and beautiful souls. Born on November 13, 1920 in St. Louis, Missouri, Deb moved with her parents at an early age to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she spent her early years. She earned an Associate Degree in Home Economics from the University of Minnesota. After graduation, Deb moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where she met the love of her life, Henry (Hank) Rieger.
Hank's career in journalism led the couple to Singapore, New York and California. In California, they lived in San Francisco, Pasadena and San Diego. Hank continued his career as a journalist with UPI and later as an executive with NBC Television and ATAS.
Deb worked as an executive administrator for several years. Deb's interests included volunteering as a counselor for a substance abuse program, serving as docent for historic Pasadena homes, showing her Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, gardening, and entertaining for their circle of friends in the news world and entertainment industry.
Deb is survived by her husband of 65 years, Henry; brothers Dennis Hays (Karen); Warren Hays (Dee); Robert Hays (Marna); sister-in-law Ruth Ellen Lepick; brother-in-law; John Lepick; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Hays and mother, Eda Bessie (Prahl) Hays, as well as sisters, Ilo Hays Howard and Christine Hays.
Deb loved animals. Those who wish to honor her memory are encouraged to make a gift to the San Diego Humane Society (5500 Gaines St, San Diego, CA 92110; 619-299-7012; www.sdhumane.org) or the San Diego Zoo (619-685-3250; www.sandiegozoo.org). In accordance with her wishes, her ashes will be scattered at sea at a future date.