HOUSTON, Texas — Linda Kay Deboben,
known to all as Rockie, passed away on Saturday, the 16th of January 2021, at the age of 76, in Houston, surrounded by her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and teacher, Rockie was born at the US Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas, to Ruby and Ernest Rauert on the 23rd of February 1944. Rockie grew up in El Dorado, Ark., and graduated from El Dorado High School. She graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas) and earned a master’s degree from the University of Houston. Rockie moved to Houston in 1966 to teach German at Bellaire High School. Shortly thereafter she met her husband and the love of her life, John (“Jack”) R. Deboben, Jr.
Rockie’s faith in Christ was her foundation, and teaching was her passion. In 1975, Rockie joined Chapelwood United Methodist Church where she was a children’s ministry counseling teacher, on the UMW board, and a circle group leader. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School to her children, grandchildren and others. She was also a member of the Houston Junior Forum and the Houston Audubon Society. When her son attended St. Michael Catholic School, she co-founded Cub Scout Troop 1354 with her dear friend, Jan Redd. She taught English as a Second Language (ESL) for over 30 years at Lamar High School, Second Baptist Church, the Ronald McDonald House, Fair Haven, Casa De Esperanza and MAM. One of her proudest accomplishments was being awarded the ESL teacher of the year award for the HISD central area. She loved teaching ESL and said it allowed her to see the humanity in people no matter from where they came or their station in life.
Rockie was an avid birder and enjoyed spending summers hiking in Colorado and winters fishing on the Texas coast. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was grateful to help her daughter, Paige, with raising her grandson, Jack, and was so involved with his upbringing that she was known simply as “Grandmother” to Jack’s friends. Rockie was known for her inclusive attitude, selflessness, tireless energy, loving personality, and affectionate smile. She made the most of her life never saying no to an adventure or a game of mah jongg.
Rockie is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Jack Deboben; daughter, Paige Deboben Ohlenburg; and grandson John “Jack” Christian Ohlenburg; son, John Raymond Deboben III; his wife, Cristina Maria Abascal Deboben; and grandchildren, Maria Jacqueline Deboben, Catherine Carolina Deboben, and John Raymond Deboben, IV, all of Houston, Texas; and sister-in-law, Mary Juanita Warriner, of Lexington, Ky.
A memorial service is to be held at 11 o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 4th of February, at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street in Houston. Guests may also view the service via livestream and the link may be found on Rockie’s online memorial tribute page at GeoHLewis.com and clicking “Join Livestream.” There, one may share memories or words of comfort and condolence electronically for her family.
The family will gather for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contribution in Rockie’s name and in support Dr. Pamela T. Soliman’s ovarian cancer research may be directed toward MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4470 Houston, TX 77210 (http://mdacc.convio.net/goto/LindaKayDeboben)