Deborah Anne Neth

"There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief." - Aeschylus

Deborah died peacefully at home on May 25th in Mission, Kansas. She was predeceased by her parents Robert L Neth, Sr and Rosabelle Neth, her sister Kathy Gray and her brother Richard Neth. She is survived by her brother, Robert (Katheryn) Neth, Jr , two nieces, Megan and Courtney Gray and two great nephews, Noah and Thatcher Lawson. She is also survived locally by close friends (Jean Hanson, Marsha Mingle, and Pam Ostermann, Marlo Gould), and many family members dispersed throughout the United States.

Deborah was born in Kodiak, Alaska into a proud Naval family, and spent her early years on bases in California, Kansas, and Hawaii. Her family then settled in their home state of Kansas, where Deborah has since remained. She graduated from the University of Kansas with her Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1974, and completed a Special Education Master’s Degree in 1975.  Deborah spent the early part of her career teaching hearing impaired children. She then moved on to teaching at Public Elementary schools for the rest of her impressive career, spanning five decades. Her students were near and dear to her heart, and she spent many summers’ taking continuing education courses in order to provide the best learning environment for her students year after year.

Deborah was an avid fan of KU basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs. Competing with her love for sport was her passion for food and cooking. Whether it was coming up with an impressive menu to host friends or family, finding the best of local restaurants (fine dining or hole-in-the-wall), or volunteering her time to be the personal chef for the night at the annual Belinder Elementary School auction, Debby had a knack for it.

Deborah will be remembered for being gentle, but firm, a great friend, dedicated daughter, loving sister, selfless aunt, with a bright smile and a big, infectious laugh. Her absence will be felt by all that had the joy of knowing her.

At Deborah’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are asked to donate to a charity of their choosing that reminds them of who Debby was to them.