She was born on Oct. 13, 1924 in Ottawa, Kansas to Bert and Phoebe Harris Gilliland. After graduating from high school in 1942, she worked in the office of Scott’s Department Store for 14 years. Deanne married Calvin “Curley” Lightle in 1943, while he was home on furlough. The family moved to Hermiston, Oregon in 1953, where Deanne worked for Montgomery Ward for 10 years. She then worked as a caregiver for 25 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church for many years and has attended the First Christian Church for several years. Deanne was a charter member of the Bloomer Girl’s Garden Club in 1962 and was active until her health failed a few years ago. She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary for many years. She loved to read, working in her flowers, and animals. Deanne and Curly loved music and dancing. What a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Best friend. She was a loving and gentle lady who will be missed so much. Mom retired at the age of 85. She was determined and strong to the end. Goodbye, “Our Little Energizer Bunny”.
She is survived by her daughter: Kristy Brown and her husband Tom, Hermiston, OR; grandsons: Travis Christian & wife Heather, Hermiston, OR, Ryan Christian, Hermiston, OR, and Daniel Lightle, Portland, OR; granddaughter: Tori Lightle, Boise, ID; great grandsons: Cutter and Tyson Christian, Hermiston, OR, Rhett and Rory Lightle, Boise, ID; nephew: Frank Lupton & wife Yvonne, Minnesota; extended family: Don and Mary Ann Christian, Hermiston, OR.
Deanne was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years: Curley Lightle, sons: Rick and Terry Lightle, 2 sisters and 3 brothers.
A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Contributions in Deanne’s memory may be made to Pet Rescue in Hermiston.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
