Donna Elizabeth (Ruslink) King-Deck Obituary (1937 - 2024)

Donna Elizabeth (Ruslink) King-Deck passed away on February 1, 2024, surrounded by family. Donna had multiple health problems with her heart, breast cancer, and multiple myeloma, but it was complications from Influenza A that lead her to death. Donna was born October 6, 1937, to the late Donald R. Ruslink and Florence (Mallick) Ruslink. She was raised in North East and graduated from North East High School. Donna also spent 12 years living in St. Petersburg, Florida after her retirement, returning to Erie to be closer to her family. Donna worked in retail, medical and veterinary offices throughout her career. She loved animals, especially her companion cat, Lilly. She was a member of St. Mark's Evangelical Church. She was one of the first residents of East Lake Woods Retirement Community, where she enjoyed playing bingo, and sitting on the front porch reading and talking with her neighbors. Donna loved going to the beach and going to local summer concerts. She loved sports, especially baseball, football, and hockey. She and her husband, Jack would have 3 different sports on 3 different TVs at the same time. She loved watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren play any sport. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John (Jack) Deck; ex-husband, Olyn (Corky) King; sister, Nancy J. Meade and her husband William Meade. Survivors include children: Dawn (Tom) Kaliszewski, Kathryn (Bill) Deitz Cooper, both of Erie, and Cathy (Andy) Saylor, Jim Deck, John (Jeanne) Deck, Jennifer (Don) Terrana, all of FL; grandchildren: Tom (Lisa) Kaliszewski, Nick (Andrea) Kaliszewski, of Erie, and Erika Pryor of Oklahoma City, OK. She is also survived by step-grandchildren of Florida; siblings: Bill Ruslink, Marjorie (Jack) Skinner, and Carol (Rob) Glasier. Donna is survived by many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, both of Erie, FL, and OK. She is further survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins scattered across the US. Donna was loved by her family and friends. It was her wish to not have services on her behalf. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and her care team on 5IU at UPMC Hamot Medical Center. During this difficult time, you helped guide us through this journey. We would also like to thank Dr. Seastone, and the rest of the medical oncology staff at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Erie, as well as Dr. Fornelli, for helping to keep mom's voice going. Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the A.N.N.A. Shelter, Meals on Wheels, American Cancer Society or to the charity of one's choice. Private Arrangements have been entrusted to the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Harborcreek.