Deborah J. Rukke

December 12, 1949 – January 14, 2017

Deborah Jean Rukke, 67, died January 14, 2017, in her Ephrata home with her family beside her.  

Born Dec. 12, 1949, in Grafton, N.D. to Curt and Dolly Willson of Forest River, N.D., Debbie grew up, loved, and was proud of the small farming community of which she was a part.  She graduated from Midway High School, Inkster, N.D. in May 1967.  She then attended North Dakota State School of Science, Wahpeton, N.D., and graduated in May 1969, with a degree in Dental Hygiene.  Having a love for learning, she returned to college in later years and obtained degrees in data processing and accounting.  

While attending SSS, she met her future husband Kent of Wahpeton, N.D.  They were married July 3, 1969.  Over the years together with their children, they made their home in Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois and most recently Ephrata, Wash.  Debbie had many varied interests including sewing, baking, painting, reading, and gardening, but her greatest love and devotion was for her husband, children, and granddaughters.  

Debbie is survived by her husband, Kent Rukke; her son Brian Rukke of Ephrata; her daughter and son-in-law Kirsten and Raul Diaz of Moses Lake; her brother and sister-in-law David and Patricia Willson of East Grand Forks, Minn; her sister Diane Willson, of Las Vegas, Nev.; her sister and brother-in-law Carol and David Brose of Grand Forks, N.D.; her three cherished granddaughters Alicia, Elizabeth, and Emma Diaz and nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She is preceded in death by her father, her mother, and a special aunt Georgette Cole, of Everett, Wash.  

A memorial service will take place at a later date. Donations in memory of Debbie may be made to any of the following charities: Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201; Vision Beyond Borders, P.O. Box 2635, Casper, WY 82602 or Child Evangelism Fellowship, 800 Orondo Ave., Wenatchee, WA 98801.