Deborah Rentfrow — Austin

Deborah Dee Rentfrow, 62, of Austin, died Dec. 12 after a fierce battle with ovarian cancer.

Beloved firstborn of Mack and Dee French Rentfrow, Deb was born Aug. 29, 1953.

A gifted musician, Deb shared her talent through teaching, mentoring and directing. She was also an exceptional artist, and her watercolor paintings grace the homes of patrons across the country.

Deb graduated from Coshocton High School in Coshocton, Ohio, in 1972. She was conferred with Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota, Duluth; and Master of Arts from St. Mary's College in Winona.

A skilled gardener, nutritionist and sojourner, Deb loved spending time in nature, cooking and learning Native American customs. Christmas in Dublin was a tradition, visiting family, and performing with her sister, Robin, at Christmas Eve services at the Dublin Community Church- UCC.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mack and Dee, and her sister-in-law, Julie Spyker-Rentfrow.

Deb is survived by her sister, Robin Campbell (Joel); brother, Mack Rentfrow, Jr.; and nieces and nephews.

We thank God for Deb's Angels, Raqiba Rybicki and Ron, Betsy Skinner and Molly Gilbert, and the Glorious Bells Bell Choir of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, and countless friends who were a loving and supportive part in her life.

Thanks also to Mayo Clinic of Rochester, especially Dr. Jacob Strand, and Homestead Hospice in Owatonna for extraordinary care. We honor Kirsten Shipler for her unwavering support, devotion and friendship to Deb in the final months of her life. Kirsten: You model the true spirit of sisterhood.

A celebration memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 30 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, 4604 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407, or the Music Ministry at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1212 - 12th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.