Deborah Anne Reker

Deborah Anne Reker was born January 3rd 1950 in Xenia, Ohio. She was the forth child of T. Gerald Babb and Anna Florence Babb. Deborah’s early life was spent on a farm. The family spent a number of years living at a college in Kentucky so her father could enter the ministry. Deborah’s growing years were spent moving from one town to another in the area of Indiana and Kentucky in the course of her father’s ministerial career.

Deborah graduated from high school in Calhoun, Kentucky in 1968. She then attended Milligan College in Tennessee. It was there that she met her future husband Peter L. Reker. They were married in August of 1971. Their marriage had the duration of 52 fulfilling years until the time of Deborah’s passing.

Deborah received her B. A. degree from Milligan College in May of 1972 with a major in psychology and a minor in education. She began teaching in Aurora, Ohio in 1974. She and her husband moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1978 and Deborah began a long and rewarding teaching career in Glendale, AZ. She received her Master of Education degree from Northern Arizona University in 1996.

On October 9th, 1981 Deborah gave birth to Michael Louis Reker, her single child. She was an attentive and caring mother throughout the growing years of Michael’s life and into adulthood. Michael has always considered his mother of prime importance in his life.

Deborah began a new phase of her career in education in 2006. She became a librarian at a school in Madison District. In 2009 she became Library Coordinator for Madison School District with eight libraries to manage. She received the Lamp of Learning award from Madison District for her outstanding service in education. Deborah retired from the field of education in 2016.

Deborah passed away on January 21st, 2023 after a year long bout with brain cancer. Her radiant smile will always be missed by family, friends, and all the many people who came into contact with her. Deborah’s was a life well lived in service and dedication.