DEBORAH L. DEERE

Deborah L. Deere, 65, of Ottumwa, Iowa died at 12:03 a.m. December 22, 2015 at Hospice House in Ottumwa.

She was born December 28, 1949 in Quincy, IL, to Virgil and Dorotheann Tucker St. Clair. She married Jerry Deere on November 26, 1989.

Deborah was a graduate of Williamstown Community School District in Williamstown, MO. She earned a B.S. from Truman University and a M.S. from the University of Northern Iowa, both in Early Childhood Special Education and taught locally at Hawthorne Elementary in Keokuk, IA and Clark County R-1.

From 1989 to 2011 she was with the Area Education Agency in Ottumwa as Early ACCESS Regional Coordinator/Liaison.

She was a member of the Bridge in Ottumwa and also of Providence Baptist Church in Williamstown, MO. Deborah was a volunteer at the Ezra Free Clinic, was involved with First Resources, and served on the Board of Southern Iowa Mental Health.

Deborah enjoyed Indian Hills basketball, mystery books and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved her cabin in Missouri and spending time there with her family. She also enjoyed the Clark County Fair.

Surviving is her husband, Jerry; three sons, Craig (Ar’n) House of Ankeny, IA, Jeremiah and Daniel House both of Ottumwa, IA; 2 grandchildren, Harley House and Fallon House; a sister, Rebecca Woodruff of Tulsa, OK, as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation was held beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, December 24, 2015, at Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa, IA., with the family present from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 26, 2015, at the Providence Baptist Church in Williamstown with Pastor Jay Allison officiating. Mrs. Louise St. Clair was pianist. Special music was recordings “You Are My Sunshine”, “Amazing Grace” and “How Do I Help Say Goodbye”.

Pallbearers were Ryan St. Clair, Mike St Clair, Scott Welker, Robert Toops, Albert St. Clair, and Kellen Schantz.

Burial was in the Providence Cemetery.

Family received friends from noon on Saturday until time of services at the Providence Church.

Wilson Funeral Home was in charge of Missouri arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorials to the Providence Cemetery Association.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.