Obituaries: Dean

Posted on June 27, 2016

Eljean Dean

Eljean Helen Dean, 83, of Le Roy, went peacefully at 8:40 a.m. on June 25, to be with her creator. She was surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Heyworth.

Her Celebration of Life will be at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday at First United Presbyterian Church in Le Roy with Pastor Jerry Dusenberry and Pastor L. Timothy Doty officiating. There will be no visitation. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gift of Hope.

Eljean was born on Feb. 8, 1933 in Brookville, Ind., a daughter to Clayton and Elmira (Balsley) Benning. She married Merrill Eugene Dean on April 9, 1952 in Aurora, Ind.

Surviving are three sons, Thomas (Deb) Dean of Lexington, Lynn (Anne) Dean of Champaign and Clayton Harry (Kris) Dean of Le Roy; three daughters, Catherine (Ross Barclay) Frasor of Lexington, Julie (Mike) Exum of Torrance, Calif., and Cheryl (Larry) Shepherd of Heyworth; 15 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a sister, Emily Dean and a brother, Wayne Benning.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merrill Dean; a son, Richard Dean and three brothers.

Eljean and Merrill moved to Illinois in 1953 to farm and raise their family. She enjoyed reading and watching her soap operas, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She is described by all who knew her as one of the sweetest people in the world. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Online condolences and memories of Eljean may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.

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