Debbie Deneff Mehlhop

Debbie Deneff Mehlhop, 69, passed away on November 22, 2022. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 30, at 10 AM at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ankeny with burial at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines. Visitation with the family will take place the night before at the church from 5 to 7 PM; with a 7 PM prayer service.

Debbie was born October 26, 1953, to William and JoAnn (Harry) Deneff in Rockford, Illinois. She graduated from Bishop Machebeuf High School in Denver, Colorado. From there, Debbie went to Colorado State University to obtain a Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy. She then attended Ball State University and earned her Master's degree in Gerontology.

Debbie worked as an Occupational Therapist for her career at various places before finding her home for the last 33 years at the MercyOne Riverside Rehab, where she was currently working. She was a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Iowa Occupational Therapy Association, and the American Society of Hand Therapy. Debbie was also on the Iowa Board of Occupational Therapists from 1992-1996. Debbie was also certified in Hand Therapy.

A remarkable achievement for Debbie was from the Marshal Arts America when she earned her Fourth Degree, Black Belt, in Tae Kwon Do. She enjoys musical theater and classical music.

Debbie was a person of tremendous faith. She was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church here in Ankeny; she was a presenter and table leader for the Christian Experience Weekend and the Volunteer Coordinator for the Christ Our Life Catholic Conference.

She truly lived a life of love and service to others. Debbie touched so many lives personally and professionally that she will be missed by all who knew her.

Deb is survived by her husband, Bruce Mehlhop of Saylor Township, Iowa; daughter, Christine of Johnston, Iowa; son, Brian of Council Bluffs, Iowa; mother, JoAnn Deneff of Aurora, Colorado; sister, Constance Tice of Durham, South Carolina; sister, Pamela (Richard) Barella of Aurora, Colorado; brother, Christopher (Trudy) Deneff of Providence, Rhode Island; brother, Michael (Wendy) Deneff of Fort Collins, Colorado; 12 nieces and nephews; and 16 great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, William.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com for the Deneff Mehlhop family. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Luke the Evangelist Church or the Christ Our Life Catholic Conference.