Deborah Anne Deck

DECK Deborah Anne Ruhle, widow of Dr. John Deck to whom she was married for 50 years until his passing last spring, died November 14, 2011. Mrs. Deck was born October 2, 1935, in Anderson, SC, the oldest daughter of the late Sarah Louise Cathcart and Richard Robert Ruhle; maternal granddaughter of Elizabeth Leila Henderson and James Milling Cathcart, Jr. of South Carolina; and paternal granddaughter of Anne Martha Ruhle and Daniel Samuel Ruhle of Stuttgart, Germany. She is survived by one daughter, Anne Henderson Deck (husband Sean Slone) of Lexington; two sons, John Marion Deck, Jr. of Richmond, and Richard Ruhle Deck (wife Valesa) of Somerset; one granddaughter, MacKenzie Lynn Deck; a brother, Robert Richard "Skip" Ruhle; a sister, Sarah Cathcart Kyle and family of Pittsburgh, PA; and many cherished cousins in Maine, South Carolina and Germany. She graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University where she earned her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees, and where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority and Sigma Alpha Iota, an international music fraternity. Mrs. Deck was a classically trained opera singer and pianist (the latter for which she trained directly under Frank St. Leger, former accompanist and music director of the Metropolitan Opera, New York City) who also wrote numerous musical compositions early in her career — three pursuits for which she was professionally honored and recognized. She received much of her vocal training through professionals from the Metropolitan Opera (private vocal coaches included Eileen Farrell, Hans Peter Busch, Agnes Davis, Virginia MacWatters, Anna Kaskas and Josephine Antoine, the latter with whom she further trained during summers at the Chautauqua Institution in New York). After earning her Masters, she toured professionally as a lyric soprano throughout Europe and the United States. Upon marrying the love of her life, John, they lived in South Carolina where she was Minister of Music for the Lutheran Church (ELCA) and, years later, served the Presbyterian Church (USA) while her husband was a professor and coach at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. They moved to Richmond, KY, where Dr. Deck served as Chairman in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Eastern Kentucky University. Mrs. Deck taught in the Music Department of Berea College before choosing to teach voice and piano privately to best accommodate motherhood. She always considered that decision the most important one of her adult life, for she felt nothing was more rewarding than being able to devote more time to her children. In the many years since choosing to teach privately, she taught hundreds of students, doing so until just two weeks before her untimely passing. Mrs. Deck was beloved by her students and was known not only for her genuine Southern charm, impeccable taste and dry wit, but also for her gentle, caring demeanor. Many of her students continued their pursuit of music during college and became successful in their own right, yet she was just as proud of the young beginner as she was the professional. During her career, she routinely served in an official judging capacity on vocal audition panels. She was most fond of successfully preparing her own students for auditions as well as various regional and national competitions. A staunch supporter of the arts throughout Central Kentucky, she was the first to bring opera productions to Richmond area public schools in the 1970s, with emphasis on those where opportunities for arts education were limited. She firmly believed in the healing power of the arts. Such passion was demonstrated through her volunteerism and support of various regional and national nonprofit arts organizations. Through a lifetime of community engagement, she remained young at heart and ever optimistic. Indeed, Mrs. Deck will be remembered best for her sincerity, thoughtfulness and her delightfully exuberant, infectious spirit. It was in her nature to make those in her presence feel unequivocally welcomed, for she genuinely valued and respected others, making sure no one felt like an outsider. For years, without fail, she actively cared for those who could not always care for themselves. Deborah Deck was a gracious soul who effortlessly practiced what she preached and gave so generously of her time and talents. In addition to holding myriad professional memberships, she actively served the Boonesborough Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in various leadership positions, one of which led her to establish the Colonel John Miller Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution in the 1980s. She was also a past member of the Women's Club of Central Kentucky, and for years remained a proud sustaining member of the Junior League in her native South Carolina. As founder of G.R.I.T.S. in Richmond (Girls Reared in the South), she spent the last decade embracing her "Southern Sisters" as she so affectionately referred to kindred spirits with whom she enjoyed having monthly luncheons. A lifelong Presbyterian whose Christian values never wavered, Mrs. Deck's strength of character will forever resonate in all whose lives she touched. She was instrumental in area refugee relocation efforts, personally aiding a number of families who were forced to evacuate Kosovo, Bosnia and other countries. As open was her door, so were her mind and heart. Visitation will be conducted today (Sunday) from 4-7pm for friends, family and colleagues at Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home in Richmond. The funeral will be held tomorrow, 1pm, at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, with a committal service to follow in the Lexington Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Curtis Christian will officiate both services. In lieu of flowers, the family of Mrs. Deborah Deck kindly suggests contributions in her memory to advance research through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org), Hospice of the Bluegrass (hospicebg.org/lexington) or to the International Fellowship of Christians & Jews, P.O. Box 96105, Washington, DC 20090, an organization close to her heart and an admirable testament to her ecumenical beliefs. As a beloved mother, loyal friend and compassionate mentor, Deborah Deck profoundly touched many lives. Her influence will live on through those who are blessed to cherish her memory. To express condolences and remembrances: www.orpfh.com