Obituary of Mary Ellen Deir

DEIR, Mary Ellen 86, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2017. She was born to Eltora and Howard Alexander in Chadron, NE on February 7, 1931, and was raised in Shenandoah, IA. After high school graduation, she moved to Minneapolis, MN to attend a medical laboratory technician school. In 1953 she moved to Tucson where her sister and brother-in-law lived, and worked at St. Mary's Hospital in the Lab. In 1956, she met and married the love of her life, Michael J. Deir. Mary Ellen was a member of P.E.O. Chapter AU, and a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church. She had lifelong friends from Shenandoah, and throughout her life formed many more special friendships through church, P.E.O., the Elks Club and the Tucson Conquistadores. She was a beautiful, loving, kind, inclusive, welcoming, caring, serving, giving, selfless lady, with a strong faith and wonderful sense of humor! Mary Ellen was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Mike (2012); son, Steven (1964); granddaughter, Courtney Zillman (1999); sister, Mona Overstreet (2009); brothers-in-law, Richard Feckner (2015) and Gordon Overstreet (2017). She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Ogden (Randy); son, John Deir; 'bonus' daughter, Sandy Baine; grandson, Aaron Deir (Stephanie) and granddaughter, Jenna Zillman (fiancé Danny Sullivan). When Kathy and Randy married, she claimed two 'instant great grandchildren' as her own, Thomas and Reagan Ogden, who brought her so much joy! She is also survived by her two nephews, Gary Overstreet (Leon Kochan), David Overstreet (Bonne) and their family. Her two sisters-in-law, Nancy Foster and Grace Feckner also survive her, along with many nieces, nephews and their families. A Celebration of Life will be held at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2450 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ, on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., with Dr. Rev. Andrew G. Ross officiating. Reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Courtney's Courage (formerly Tee Up for Tots), 2201 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 6, Tucson, AZ 85705, or to your favorite charity. Arrangements entrusted to ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.