A Mountain Home woman who’s legacy will leave a lasting affect on the community has died. On Wednesday, February 1, 75-year-old Deborah “Debby” Stanuch died in Mountain Home.
Before moving to Mountain Home with her husband Don in 2004 from Illinois, Stanuch worked for WIVC Radio and the American Broadcasting Company. She was the assistant vice president for Becker Securities and Oppenheimer Securities; and later, she was a technical recruiter for DeSaulnier MacLeod and TSC companies. Stanuch was a partner and co-owner of Career Partners, an IT Technical Recruiting Firm.
Shortly after moving to the Twin Lakes Area, Stanuch’s concern for those in need brought her to Serenity’s door. She started volunteering in the Serenity office as the Volunteer Coordinator, progressing to other volunteer positions and then joining the Board. While on the Board, it was her drive that created the Taste of the Twin Lakes fundraiser, which has been running for many years and has provided tremendous financial support to Serenity.
Although Stanuch was employed at KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot for 12 years, she never really stopped working. She received numerous Associated Press awards including recognition for her coverage, along with Julie Stewart, on the death of officer Jim Sell in 2006. KTLO’s Heather Loftis states, “She was always telling KTLO about news stories or getting us involved with whatever nonprofit event she was working on. Most importantly, she was always encouraging us. Our community is a better place because of the work of Debby Stanuch. Our hearts are with Don at this time.”
Stanuch also served as President of the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas where she oversaw the receipt and implementation of a Donald W. Reynolds Organization Grant that was the catalyst for moving the Food Bank from Norfork to Mountain Home. She was a fierce advocate for individuals struggling with poverty and hunger, and leaves a lasting legacy through her compassion for others.
As a member of the First United Methodist Church Choir for over ten years, Stanuch remained on the role and supported the choir completely. While she could not attend during the time of orthopedic problems and surgeries, she always listened to services and communicated through phone calls and texts the positive words towards the choir’s singing and presentations of faith filled anthems.
Stanuch was also an active member and dedicated volunteer of the Twin Lakes Playhouse; a contributing writer to Pulse Magazine and Keystone; year after year she volunteered for voter registration; and she served as the Associated Press reporter for Election Coverage.
She is survied locally by her husband, Don Stanuch of Norfork, as well as by her sister, Ida Lacy of Houston and a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made in Debby’s name to the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas, Serenity, Inc. or the Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County.
A celebration of life for Debby Stanuch will be held Friday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Mountain Home.
Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services.
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