Dennis 'Duke' Deking

Dennis W. “Duke” Deking, age 67, died June 25, 2011.

He was a life resident of Ritzville; born to Walter and Eleanor (Thiel) Deking on May 25, 1944. He attended Ritzville schools, graduating in 1962.

In 1971 he and Kerry Jean Owens were married and had two girls together: Jennifer (Brad) Smith and Tiffany (Gordon) Towne.

He farmed and raised commercial cattle from the 1970s through the mid 1990s when he went to work for the Grange supply (Connell Oil). He also sold fencing for Hi Qual.

Kerry preceded him in death in 1999.

In 2008 he married Pamela Music, who had two children: April (Jason) Shumway and Jeffrey Williams.

He was a member of Ritzville FFA Alumni, Ralston Grange, Ritzville Rodeo Association, Lamplighters Car Club and was an active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his four grandchildren: Chase, Tyson, Hannah and Sadie.

Riding horses, fishing, gardening, cowboy coffee, Davenport stock sales, PBR bull riding, team roping and NFR Rodeo were some of his other favorite hobbies.

It is said he had a passion for life that was, at the very least, infectious. He loved people and visiting was a favorite pastime. He had a warm, wonderful smile, a laugh and a kind word for everyone. And, he loved Pendleton whiskey.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 2, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville. Memorials are suggested to Emanuel Lutheran Church or Ritzville FFA Chapter.

Condolences may be left at a www.danekasfuneralhome.org.

Danekas Funeral Home and Crematory-Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.