Mary Ruth Deeken

Mary Ruth Deeken, age 86, of Linn, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City surrounded by her loved ones.

Mary Ruth was born on August 26, 1937, in Linn, a daughter to the late Ferdinand and Frances (Nilges) Riegel.

On September 5, 1959, she was united in marriage to Norbert Deeken, who preceded her in death on June 15, 1985.

To know Mary Ruth was to love her.  She was an active member of St. George Church in Linn where she went to school, sent her children to school and eventually became a cook after retiring from Scholastic. In 2006, Mary Ruth was given the St. George Distinguished Graduate Award.

 She had a love for being in the kitchen and cooking big meals for her family each day.  When Mary Ruth was not in the kitchen, she was tending to her garden, collecting eggs and spending time with the ones she loved.

She cherished the neighborhood she grew up in and remained there for the entirety of her life.  This is where she lived on the family farm, raised her children and spent nearly every day with her grandchildren.  Mary Ruth loved providing for her family.  She was proud of each accomplishment made by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always welcomed the opportunity of sharing a cold beer to celebrate.

Mary Ruth is survived by her six children: John Deeken and his wife Carol of Linn, Luke Deeken and his wife Elaine of Linn, Martha Nunley and her husband Louis of Taos, Matthew Deeken of Linn, Mike Deeken and his wife Debra of Loose Creek and Dana Augustine and her husband Greg of Linn.  Sixteen grandchildren: Wesley, Brian, Bradley, Travis, Stephanie, Ryan, Courtney, Kathryn, Sam, Kelcey, Malorie, Kyle, Nicole, Curtis, Sophia, Oliver and 17 great-grandchildren.  One brother, Fred Riegel and wife Priscilla of Lee’s Summit.  Two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Deeken and Marie Jean Lieneke.

In addition to her parents, and husband of 25 years, Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her two brothers Arthur Riegel and Norbert Riegel.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 1, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. George Catholic Church in Linn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at St George Catholic Church with Fr. Daniel Merz as the Celebrant.  Interment will follow in the St. George Parish Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. George Catholic School.