SOUTH WHITLEY — Betty J. Deaton, 91, South Whitley, passed away at 8:25 p.m. March 3, 2017, at her home surrounded by family. She had been in failing health for several months. She was born May 4, 1925, in Lake Township, Kosciusko County, a daughter of the late Emery L. and Edna Floor Brandenburg. Her formative years were spent in Lake Township and she graduated from Silver Lake High School with the class of 1943. After completing high school, she worked at Heckman Bindery, at which time she met the love of her life. On Sept. 10, 1945, she was united in marriage to Royce C. Deaton. They made their first home in North Manchester until moving to South Whitley in 1954. She was a supervisor at Heckman Bindery until moving to South Whitley, where she worked as an accountant at Huffman and Deaton Hardware. Royce and Betty served the community with their family business for over 50 years. She was a member of Collamer Christian Church and South Whitley Lions Club Ladies Auxiliary. Her family was her absolute pride and joy. She greatly loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by a son, Steve (spouse Jill) Deaton, South Whitley; a daughter, Susan (spouse Gary) Hicks, South Whitley; four grandchildren: Marilia Hicks, South Whitley; Jeremiah (spouse Keela) Deaton, Whitewood, S.D.; Justin (spouse Heather) Deaton, Zionsville; and Marissalyn (spouse Dustin) Patrick, South Whitley; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen Huffman and Margorie Ellenberger; brothers, Emery Jr. (spouse Carol) Brandenburg and Jerry (spouse Susie) Brandenburg; a sister-in-law, Jacque Brandenburg; and numerous loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her spouse, Royce; a brother, Harvey Brandenburg; and two brothers-in-law, Joe Huffman and Clair Ellenberger. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Collamer Christian Church, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor David Wagner will officiate. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation also will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. ***** Memorials to Collamer Christian Church. Condolences may be sent at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
