Dekka Ruth House

Born 9.12.46 in Artesia NM to Vada Ruth Coleman Clem and Howard Dee (Jack) Clem in Artesia, New Mexico. Dekka led the “Leave it to Beaver” life in her younger years attending school and First Baptist Church as she grew an ever enlarging circle of life-long friends. She spent time serving in offices in the Artesia Jr. Story League and the Jr. American Legion. Her musical talents were established through piano lessons and playing the alto sax in the Zia Jr. High Band, the award winning AHS marching band, concert band and the dance band. She also served in several churches as a substitute organist while attending high school. She graduated from Artesia High School with the still close knit class of 1964 making grades just good enough to stay out of trouble and still allow time for a very active social life. After a year of college Dekka met Joseph Roy House who was stationed at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell. They married on May 2, 1965 and then set out on a journey with the United States Air Force to Biloxi, Mississippi, two tours in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Rantoul, Illinois, two tours in Minot, North Dakota, La Junta, Colorado, Ritzville, Washington, as well as Holloman and Kirtland Air Force Bases in New Mexico. When he was stationed in Vicenza, Italy and Naples, Italy, Dekka packed up her two young children, William Todd House and Susan LeAnn House to follow her husband, where they spent his down time touring Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Capri, Vatican City, and Germany. While in Europe, they were also able to follow in the footsteps of Paul the Apostle. When Joe served his tour in Vietnam, Dekka and her son returned to Artesia to be near her family. After “seeing the world” with Uncle Sam, Dekka and family settled in Roswell where Dekka went to work for attorneys. She then established Dekka House Transcriptions, which she owned and operated until she made her final move to the home God prepared for her in Heaven. Since Dekka worked from home, she and Joe also shared their passion for rescuing small, needy dogs. Over the years, Dekka played an instrumental part of knitting together the AHS class of 1964. Amongst the class of 1964, a fund was established and directed by Dekka to provide support and comfort to each other. Representing the class, Dekka would send AHS blankets to class members who were sick and flowers to funerals of their families, as well as acts of kindness to classmates in need. Over the years her children would provide Dekka and Joe with the prides of their lives, grandchildren Stephen Edward House, Colby Ryan House, Brandon Michael House, Kelsey Faith House, and Casey Ashtin House. On February 14, 2014 Dekka completed her earthly assignment and was called home by her Heavenly Father. She and her family were members of Christ Church. Dekka was preceded in death by her parents. In addition to her family, she is survived by her favorite sister Vicki Lee Shaw, her husband Dewayne Shaw and their daughter Amy and her husband Tripp; her favorite brother Lloyd Clem and his wife BeeJ with their children, Ferrall Clem, his wife Sue and their children, Jennifer and Jason, as well as Shelly, her husband Randy Bristow and Shelly’s children, Brittany and Colton. There are also numerous cousins, all of who will be happy to share some really good “growing up” stories. She is also survived by her best friend of 64 years, Mary Gill King and the AHS class of 1964. Public viewing will be held at Anderson Bethany Funeral Chapel located at 2609 S. Main Street in Roswell on Sunday the 16th from 2 PM to 4PM. The memorial service will be held at the Chapel at 10 AM, Monday the 17th with the Class of ’64 serving as honorary pallbearers. For family and anyone who was unable to attend Monday service, burial and a time of sharing will be Wednesday the 19th at 10 AM in South Park Cemetery.

Dekka Ruth House

September 12, 1946 - February 14, 2014