Ruth Frances Link Deuschle, 97, of Prairie Village, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, embraced by the love and comfort of her family. Ruth was born September 26, 1928, to John and Frances Denner Link in rural Woodson County, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Erhardt “Dutch” Deuschle, her daughter, Marta Deuschle Smith, her parents and her brothers, sister and sisters-in-laws, Louis and Lorraine Link, Alfred and Phyllis Link, John Jerome Link, and Sister Regina Mary Link, SCL.
She is survived by her children, Lisa Deuschle, Anne Deuschle, and Stephen Deuschle, son-in-law, Daniel Smith, granddaughter, Delia Smith and grandson, Josiah Smith. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Judy Link, her cousin, Betty Drain Mansfield and her many nieces and nephews.
Ruth grew up on a farm east of Yates Center, Kansas. She attended Cherry Creek, a one-room school and then graduated Valedictorian from Yates Center High School. She earned her Associate’s Degree from Sacred Heart College (Newman University) and her Bachelor’s Degree from Mount St. Scholastica (Benedictine College).
Ruth taught one year in Dighton, Kansas following her graduation from Sacred Heart. Upon completing her degree in Mathematics, Ruth went to work for AT&T in Kansas City, MO, retiring as a Long Lines Engineer just before the birth of her first child. While at AT&T Ruth met and married her husband, Dutch, who preceded her in death in 1979.
Ruth was an adventurer and a life-long learner. In 1955, in she traveled to Europe on her own, visiting Italy, France and Germany. In later years she traveled to the British Isles and Holy Land. She also loved driving trips, especially to visit National Parks and historic sites. She shared this love of travel with her children and enjoyed many trips with her daughters and nieces.
Ruth was an avid and accomplished bridge player, reaching the level of Ruby Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League. She had wonderful bridge friends with whom she enjoyed traveling to tournaments near and far.
Ruth loved spending time with her family and enjoyed attending events both large and small where she could visit with all. She especially loved time with her grandchildren, “the light of my heart.”
Ruth’s family is grateful for the loving care provided by the Monarch Hospice Team, especially Nurse Lauren, and the caring team members at the Village at Mission.
Services will take place Saturday, May 16, at St. Ann Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. Visitation at 9:30 with Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. Afternoon burial in St. Martin’s Cemetery, Piqua, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, St. Ann Church or Monarch Hospice.
