Deanna L. Abernathey

ABERNATHEY, BANTZ, MCGREW, ROBISON, ROUSE, SCHNEPF, SLOAN, SPERFSLAGE, SWARTS, WESTON

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 1/26/2025 at 10:41:40

Deanna L. Abernathey, 74, of Brandon, IA, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.

Deanna was born on February 20, 1950, in Independence, IA, the daughter of Carl R. and Catherine (Schnepf) Rouse. She grew up in rural Jesup, IA, and was a 1968 graduate of Jesup High School. On July 20, 1968, she married her high school sweetheart, Eugene L. Abernathey, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. They lived in Vinton, IA for a few years before making their home in Brandon, IA. They soon welcomed two daughters into their lives. Deanna was a phenomenal mother, wife, sister, and friend. She was a second mother to many. She was always there to help, or just to listen, ready with a snack, and a pot of coffee.

When her children were old enough, she started working at the Brandon Quick Stop. In the early 1980’s She and Eugene started an auto repair business in Brandon, Abernathey Auto. Eugene passed away in 2009, and Deanna closed the repair shop shortly after. Most recently, she worked part time at Denton Casting/AP Casting in Brandon as a secretary. She always brought smiles and laughter wherever she went.

She enjoyed staying busy. In the warm months she spent a lot of time outside gardening, and in the colder months she quilted. She loved spending time with her family, often traveled with friends to quilting retreats, fishing, and going to the casino.

Deanna loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She made an effort to always be there for them and loved making happy memories with them.

Deanna will be missed for her quiet, supportive, and loving personality.

She is survived by her children, Carmen (David) Sloan, Avon, IL, and Carrie (Curt) Bantz, Rowley, IA, six grandchildren; Iain McGrew, James McGrew, Carley (Jake Covault) Robison, Cayla (Christian Nixdorf) Bantz, Cameron (Alyssa) Bantz, and Collin (Haley Skiens) Bantz, her significant other, Duane Donley, Brandon, IA, two sisters; Char (Wayne) Swarts, Independence, IA, and Wendy (Richard) Sperfslage, Quasqueton, IA, a brother Terry (Connie) Rouse, Silver Lake, Indiana, a step-brother, Russ Weston, and many nieces and nephews.

Deanna is preceded in death by her father Carl Rouse, her mother Catherine Weston, and her husband, Eugene Abernathey.

Visitation will be held from 2 PM until 5 PM on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 27th, at the funeral home, burial will be held at the Brandon Cemetery in Brandon, IA.