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Deborah F. Obituary
Deborah Frances Von Zink, 58, of Reno, Nevada, died Thursday, December 3, 2015, at her home following a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late Helen Zink and mother to Kira Zink Hatfield. She was the sister to Rudy Zink, Tim (Bud) Zink, and Margaret Zink Phelps, niece to Bob and Virginia Haddow aunt to Sandra Phelps and Karen Smith.
Deborah was born in San Jose, California and raised in Squaw Valley, California. She has lived in California, Nevada and New York. She was a graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute receiving her Bachelor's of Arts through the University of San Francisco as well as a second degree from UC Davis. Deborah's passion and talent was shared with all through her paintings. She created masterpieces throughout her life in watercolors and oils and generously donated her time and talents to numerous charities and nonprofit organizations, including North Tahoe Arts Council, Sonrise Dance Company, Lake Tahoe Summer Music Festival, ASET, Church on the Lake, various Charity Auctions and non-profits. She often donated her time having art classes to many adults to advance their appreciation and skills for the arts.
Deborah and first husband, the late Kevin Wightman had a beautiful daughter Kira Frances Hatfield, age 26. She often went into her daughter's classroom and gave art lessons to her classroom.
Deborah loved to dance and had a deep appreciation for all of the arts, including the opera, theater, and ballet which she attended often. She was active in the many local dance productions, including playing Santa Claus one year. She loved to garden and her flowers brought her an abundance of joy.
Deborah later married whom she called her prince and her "soulmate", Vitaliy Gubaydullin in June of 2013, who shared her love of the arts, beauty and spirituality. They traveled and enjoyed every minute together. He was continually with her through her illness leading to her death.
A memorial celebration of friends and family will take place in late Spring 2016 as a sign of her new life and the beauty that now surround her in her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
She was a lovely blessing to many. Our lives are richer to have known her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Deborah F.
Steve & Saundra Mighetto
January 21, 2016
It made us sad to discover the news about Debbie. Our deepest condolences on your loss. We will remember all the fun times we had with her and her passion for design.
Kathleen Doler
January 16, 2016
Debbie was a kind and gentle person. She was my roommate when I first moved to Tahoe back in 1976. We skied together and laughed a lot. She was generous in introducing me to her friends and family. Even back in the 70s, before she attended college, her talent as an artist was evident. My thoughts are with her husband and her family.
Karen Duttweiler (Kelley)
January 2, 2016
Debbie will live forever in my heart. I have such great memories of our friendship. She was a beautiful person. RIP Debbie!
December 30, 2015
My deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one. May you find great comfort during this difficult time with the God who revives the spirit of those lowly and crushed. Isaiah 57:1
Jimetta Mayne
December 30, 2015
Deborah was a wonderful friend. She captured beauty within her heart and on a palet. She will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Michele Alexander
December 30, 2015
Debbie was a high school classmate. I was saddened to hear the news of her passing. She has been taken from us much too soon. I will forever remember her as the sweet, gentle spirit girl from our school days and for her beautiful artistic talent. Sending prayers of comfort to her family and closest friends. She will be missed.
Paula sutton
December 29, 2015
I'm sad to learn about Deborah's passing. I knew her as Debbie when I met her in high school. She was a talented and generous person, and her lovely art is part of her continuing legacy. I send comforting prayers to her family.
Paula Sutton,
Tahoe-Truckee H.S. Classmate
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