Debra "Deb" J. Rusk

Debra “Deb” J. Rusk, 67, of Kewanee, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at her home surrounded by family. Deb was born September 20, 1957, in Peoria, the daughter of Fred W. and Leona J. (Knowles) Greiner. Deb attended Wyoming Schools. Deb married Raymond L. Rusk on December 17, 1979, they later divorced but remained good friends. She later met her significant other of 22 years, James Schoals.

Deb is survived by her daughters, Coessa Rusk, Kewanee, Brandi (Michelle) Teeslink, Ohio, Candi Ward, Kewanee, Rhonda Rusk, Springfield, Twyla Rusk, Florida; sons, Frederick Teeslink, Neponset, Jason (Sarah) Rusk, Kewanee, Travis (Jamie) Rusk, Kewanee; and 28 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and two on the way; and two sisters, Ginger Bengston, Florida, Barb Greiner, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond; and significant other, James “Jim” Schoals; daughter, Christine Rusk; brother, Theodore Greiner; and a grandson, Raymond Ward.

Deb worked as a lunch/playground aide at Belle Alexander, Kewanee before becoming a Teacher’s Assistant at the primary school in Lake Hills School, Eustis, FL in the special needs class with Ms. Pat. She also coached the students in bowling, basketball and track. She was involved in all the school activities; she enjoyed spending time with all the students; especially Ray Ray and Camrie; and her dearest friends, Mary Adamson, Rhonda Hand, and Kathy Hand. Deb was on the Kewanee Police Auxiliary. She enjoyed watching her kids play baseball, hide and seek, golf, and going down the slip n slide in the backyard. She also enjoyed watching Pictionary, Blue Bloods, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, and General Hospital. She also enjoyed working on puzzle books and playing cards with Steve. Fred said, “Mom did the best with her kids that she could, and she will be missed and loved.” Deb especially enjoyed her lunch dates with her granddaughter “Peanut/Lia Jo” (Thalia Padilla) and ice cream dates with her granddaughter “Sugar Booger” (Eliana Rusk).

A Celebration of Life will be from 12:00 - 4:00 pm, Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Elks Lodge, Kewanee. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery at a later date. Please leave an online condolence for Deb’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

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