Deborah L. Truss

RIVERTON – Deborah L. Truss, 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 after a brief illness. She was the loving wife of Wallace John Truss for 26 wonderful years. Born April 17, 1947 in Hartford; the daughter of the late Robert and Clara (Oldroyd) Althen. Debbie was dedicated to child development and taught for 40 years in the Windsor school system. She was named "Teacher of the Year" and was Head of the Class of 1988. She truly had a gift for education. She loved gardening and flowers and would often fill her already beautiful yard with plants. She enjoyed the outdoors, loved collecting antiques and spending time with her family and many, many friends. She also loved decorating her home for the holidays and seasons as well as with her sheep collection. Debbie was an extremely loving, loyal and compassionate woman to everyone and she will be deeply missed. In addition to her husband, Wally, she leaves children, Eric Smith and wife Kristen of Barkhamsted, Molly Herbert and husband Ronald of FL and Anthony "Tony" Truss and wife Susan of Hartland; 5 cherished grandchildren; siblings, Bob Althen and wife Maggie of NY, Bruce Althen of Granby, David Althen and wife Debbie of Windsor Locks, Gary Althen and wife Debbie of Windsor Locks and Barbara Jean "BJ" Althen of Norwich; many nieces, nephews, friends and former students. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Mark Althen. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 51 Church Street, New Hartford at 2 PM. Burial will be private for family only. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 5 Steele Road, New Hartford has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Deborah, please visit our Tree Store.