Anne Deuschle Coffey

     Anne Deuschle Coffey, of Moore Haven, FL passed away on February 5th , 2026, at the age of 86. Anne raised her family in Fort Thomas, KY before moving to Florida. Born on February 16th, 1939, in Newport, KY, Anne was the eldest daughter of William Humphrey and Dee Hughes Brock.
     Anne was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She broke barriers in the 1960s as the world’s first female hydroplane racer—competing solely against men and ultimately becoming a world champion in her class. Anne began racing on a dare from her then- husband, Dutch Deuschle, who persuaded her to join forces with his friend, Paul Bauer, owner of the Cincinnati based Kat-N-Nan Race Team. The team dominated the 850cc Y-class. At a time when women were not warmly welcomed in the sport, Anne commanded respect through fearlessness, grit, and determination, frequently earning headlines in the sports section and the admiration of the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities. Anne’s accomplishments drew national attention, including an appearance on the 1960s television program “What’s My Line?”—a testament to the intrigue and admiration her racing career inspired. She further distinguished herself as the first female Commodore of the Northern Kentucky American Power Boat Association, breaking yet another barrier and setting a powerful precedent for women in competitive boating leadership. Anne’s adventurous spirit extended far beyond the racecourse. In the late 80’s, with just one fellow sailor, she circumnavigated the globe aboard a 37-foot trimaran—proof of a life lived boldly and without limits. While in the Panama Canal, in the middle of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and on land in the Cook Islands and New Zealand, Anne regularly transmitted her sailing adventures to Andy Cox, Sportswriter at The Kentucky Post, who shared them in his column.
     In the 60s and early 70s, Robert (Bob) Rankin, sportswriter for The Cincinnati Post and journalism professor at Northern Kentucky University, frequently chronicled Anne’s groundbreaking career. One story Bob spoke of frequently was when Anne persuaded him to join her in a trial run of an outboard race boat. With helmet strapped on and adrenaline surging, Bob climbed into the front seat beside Anne, and together they thundered down the river—racing from Cincinnati to Markland Dam and back in a breathtaking ride of his life. Over time, professional admiration evolved into a lasting friendship. It was Bob who encouraged Anne to pursue journalism studies, a path that would shape her next chapter. Following her remarkable years in boating.
     Anne relocated to south central Florida, where she served for many years as a reporter, that helped with editing, when needed of the smalltown newspaper, The Clewiston News, bringing the same integrity to the newsroom that she had demonstrated on the water. If that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Anne had a passion for antiques and opened an antique store which became a local gathering place. She loved south central Florida and formed and led the Glades County Florida Historical Society for many years.
     Anne possessed a spirited wit and an infectious sense of humor that could brighten any room. She long held a dream of singing before an audience, and true to her lifelong pattern of reinvention, she embraced that dream in her seventies. Partnering with a friend, she formed a musical duo “Havin’ Fun”, that performed in Senior Living communities throughout south central Florida, bringing joy and energy to residents. Their performances were so warmly received that their calendar quickly filled, often with four to five engagements each week. At a time when society confined women to the narrow expectations of the 1960s “housewife” ideal, Anne boldly charted her own course, proving that women could compete—and triumph—alongside men. Fearless, determined, and unapologetically ahead of her time, she expanded the boundaries of what was possible. Anne did not merely live life to the fullest; she lived it on her own terms, leaving a wake of inspiration for her four daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren to follow.
     And speaking of Anne’s daughters, of all her many accomplishments, she was most proud of her four girls—twins Jennifer Thies Loos and Genevieve (Gena) Thies Conroy, Celeste Thies Keeney, and Deborah Deuschle. She spoke of each of them often and always with unmistakable pride. Through her example of courage and independence, she raised four remarkable women who inherited her incredible spirit and strength.
     Anne was preceded in death by her parents; her cherished daughters, Deborah Deuschle and Jennifer Thies Loos; former husbands Frederick “Dutch” Deuschle, Walter Deller and John Coffey; and younger brother, Roy Harvey Humphrey.
     She is survived by loving daughters Celeste Thies Keeney (Jerry) of Cincinnati and Genevieve (Gena) Thies Conroy (Colin) of Pompano Beach, FL; sister, Cathy Humphrey LaCour (Lee Weddle) of Somerset, KY; brothers David Humphrey of Latonia, KY and Michael Humphrey (Dorothy) of Carrollton, KY; and by her first husband, Robert James Thies of Anderson Twnshp, the father of her daughters, Jennifer, Celeste, and Gena and who remained one of her dearest friends throughout her life; seven grandchildren – Jonathon, Katherine, and Claire Loos; Maxwell and Zachary Keeney; and Danielle and Samuel Conroy; and five greatgrandchildren.  Anne is also survived by many cousins, beloved extended family members, and her cherished friend, Howard Marvin, of Moore Haven, Florida.
     A celebration of life would be far more Anne’s style. Never one to embrace the cold, she requested that her remembrance be held in warm weather—because even in farewell, she preferred warm weather and sunshine. A late spring celebration of life is planned.
     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society – donate.cancer.org or to the charity of your choice.
     Anne’s family would like to especially thank everyone from Hospice of Cincinnati, as well as her Florida caregivers who provided such special care.