Deborah Jean Shook

Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Judge Deborah Jean Shook may be viewed via St. Luke’s United Methodist Church website at, https://boxcast.tv/view/shook-celebration-of-life-994884 on September 10, 2021 at 4:00 pm EST.

On Wednesday, August 25, 2021, Deborah Jean Shook (“Debbie”), loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully at the age of 71. Debbie was born April 1, 1950 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Robert Lohman and Gloria Sturgeon and graduated from Ball State with degrees in Russian and German language as well as Dance. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor “cum laude” from Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis.

Debbie began her legal career in 1974 at Bamberger & Feibleman where she met her husband Neil. When partners George Rubin and Elliott Levin started their own firm in 1977, she and Neil left Bamberger & Feibleman to establish the firm of Rubin and Levin, P.C. where she practiced for 23 years before becoming a commissioner (and later magistrate) for the Marion Superior Courts in 2003. Throughout her career, Debbie was regarded as a mentor to many and a true “lawyers’ lawyer.” A dedicated professional, Debbie was passionate about the law and issues affecting families, children, and mental health—for which she devoted much of her life and career. Knowledge, warmth, wit, and compassion were her hallmarks both in and out of the courtroom and despite keeping a rigorous schedule, Debbie was never too busy to assist anyone in any way she could. She earned the respect of both lawyers and litigants alike with her demeanor, compassion, and approach to the law, mentoring lawyers both old and new—all while greeting all who came before her with a warm smile, an effervescent personality, and the occasional “hey kiddo!” Her reach was immense and her contributions to the Indianapolis legal community are incalculable.

Debbie had a lifelong passion for gardening. In addition to tending to her own gardens, she founded Timeless Gardens in 1989 where she designed and installed custom designs for homes in the Indianapolis area. The highlight of this chapter was her award for best design at the Decorator’s Show House and Garden in 1991. More recently, she continued her love for design with painting. Her pieces are on display at the Indiana University Law School, the Oncology Department at St. Vincent’s Hospital, and Salem Church in Zionsville, Indiana.

Debbie was preceded in death by her husband Neil, son Ryan and brother Bill. She is survived by her son, Evan (Lauren), grandchildren Fiona and Ani, sister Becky, and many loving family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 10th, 2021 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church located at 100 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260. Visitation will be held from 1:00pm to 4:00pm with the celebration to commence immediately thereafter. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either of the foundations that Debbie supported over the years: The ALS Association Indiana Chapter or Kids’ Voice of Indiana.