Deborah Sobus

Deborah Ann Zerkel Sobus, 61, of Frederick, MD passed away Sunday, November 8, 2015 at the Kline Hospice House surrounded by family and friends.

Born January 21, 1954 in Baltimore, MD she was the daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Bernie Zerkel, Jr. and Betty Hile Zerkel.

Deb was a very proud 1972 graduate of Governor Thomas Johnson High School. At a recent class reunion, Deb was touched when her class presented her with a dozen red roses because of her loyal attendance at reunions and for being such a cheery, dedicated class member. Deb was a loyal member of Grace Reformed United Church of Christ in Frederick. She was always grateful for her church family. Every Sunday Deb would sit in the front pew and cheerily hold up the red attendance book and remind fellow parishioners to sign in. During offerings, Deb would proudly hold the Mission Basket to collect funds for local mission efforts. During her prolonged illness, she loved listening to CD's of her favorite hymns. Each August, Deb looked forward to attending the annual Zerkel Family Reunion in Mt. Jackson, VA hosted by Cousin Harriet Hiner. The extended family, delicious food and warm family fellowship were a joy to Deb.

Deb has been surrounded by a core group of extraordinarily loving and loyal friends, especially Carol Daiger, Mary Ann Morgan and Joan Princler. With the progression of her disease, Deb was confined to bed as a result of her amputations. Despite her immobility, she had a beautiful, positive and loving spirit. Deb expressed a desire to help other amputees. She would fill her days visiting with friends, listening to music, watching movies and game shows. Of the many television shows she watched, she particularly enjoyed the Waltons and Little House on the Prairie. Like Deb, they were heartwarming.

She is survived by her brothers Gregory Zerkel of Kiawah Island, SC, Timothy Zerkel of Cary, NC and David Zerkel of Athens, GA. She is also survived by her husband Paul Sobus and her sister-in-law, Sara Zerkel.

The family will receive friends at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 from 3-5PM and 7-9PM. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at the Grace Reformed United Church of Christ, 25 E. 2nd St., Frederick, MD at 10AM. The Rev. Dr. Rob Apgar-Taylor will officiate. There will be another service at 3PM at Grace United Church of Christ, 10492 Orkney Grade, Mt. Jackson, VA. Pastor Joel Walkley will assist in co-officiating.

Internment will follow at Grace Cemetery, Mt. Jackson, VA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grace Reformed United Church of Christ, 25 E. 2nd St., Frederick, MD 21701.