Deana is survived by her children: Deanna Cook (Ken Cook), of Oskaloosa, Jerred Merrill, of Ottumwa, and Aaron Merrill (Angelica Merrill), of Urbandale; her five grandchildren and her great grandson. She is also survived by her siblings: Lavinia Contraro, Lorrie Bartlett, Ruth Bergmann and Reece Meloche; her brother Adrian Pushetonequa, of Tama; her niece in Tama and two nephews, both of Tama.

Traditional Graveside Services will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Meskwaki Cemetery, on the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama, with Mike Keahna as speaker. Starting at 12:00 PM, Thursday, at the Fox Clan Ceremonial Building, family and friends are invited to come together in remembrance — to share stories, send prayers and honor Deana’s journey to the Spirit World. Offerings of tobacco, cedar or song in her memory are welcome, in keeping with the Meskwaki way — to show love, gratitude and guidance for the spirit as it travels on.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with the local arrangements.