Deborah Ruth Ruch

On June 19, 2025, the world lost a radiant spirit, Deborah Ruch, who embraced life with a fervor that touched the very hearts of all who had the blessing of knowing her. Born on September 28, 1955, in Bakersfield, California, Deborah's journey was marked by unwavering love, creativity, and a profound dedication to her family and her community.

After graduating college with an Rn, Deborah worked in nursing until her children were born. She enjoyed the pediatric ward the best. As her children were growing and after, as a nurturing soul, Deborah found immense joy in teaching, particularly in shaping young minds as a preschool teacher. Her creativity flourished as she developed a preschool curriculum that enriched the lives of many children, guiding them with patience and warmth. Even beyond her impactful role in education, she was a compassionate caregiver for her Mother as Billie struggled with Alzheimer's.

Deborah’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with personal joys and treasured moments. She held the comforting ritual of sipping hot tea, often accompanied by her beloved cats, pouring over the pages of her Bible or losing herself in other books. Her spirit resonated with faith, as she cherished watching inspirational shows that uplifted her soul. The enchanting beauty of her rose garden mirrored her nurturing nature, a testament to her green thumb and her love for life’s delicate wonders. In her kitchen, she crafted culinary delights, most notably her famed homemade marinara sauce, a recipe infused with love and tradition.

Creativity flourished in every aspect of her life; Deborah delighted in collecting blue and white teapots and other treasures that caught her eye. Her artistry extended to her participation in the county fair, where she often displayed her crafts, a testament to her creative genius and diligence that frequently earned her ribbons of recognition.

Among her proudest accomplishments, Deborah had large portions of scripture memorized, embodying her deep faith and providing a source of inspiration for those around her. She lovingly prepared memory verse papers for the women’s meetings, igniting the same passion for spirituality she nurtured in herself within others. Deborah had a heart that sought to help those in need at every turn, her kindness a guiding light in the lives she touched.

Tragically, Deborah's vibrant journey came to an abrupt halt following an accident while gardening, as she broke her hip. Although a successful surgery brought hope, it was to be short-lived. In her final moments at Atrium University Hospital, her spirit remained strong, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion that will forever echo in the hearts of her family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Travis Ruch, and her daughter, Heidi Cordova. Deborah also leaves behind cherished family members, including uncles and aunts, Luis and Judy Foley, Stan and Barbara Nunneley, as well as aunt Peggy Hagert, alongside a constellation of cousins, Delnita, Winona, Danny, and Dawn, each of whom carries a piece of her memory in their hearts.

Deborah Ruch now joins her beloved family members who have preceded her—her parents, James and Billie Nunneley, and her sister, Jan Nunneley, alongside her husband, Travis E. Ruch. 

In her passing, we remember a remarkable woman whose life was defined by love, creativity, and an unwavering faith. Her memory will forever be intertwined with the beautiful roses she tended, the laughter she shared, and the countless hearts she embraced. Services honoring her life will be held on June 29, 2025, at Fellowship Baptist Church in Mint Hill, North Carolina, a fitting tribute to a woman who built her life upon love and faith.