Deanna Arlene Redick Beyer

Deanna Arlene Redick Beyer went to her heavenly home on Sept. 14, 2019—her 76th birthday—after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Eagle Township, Hancock County, Ohio, on Sept. 14, 1943, to Ralph and Roma Redick. She grew up on a farm near Jenera, Ohio, and attended Trinity Lutheran School. She went on to graduate from Michigan Lutheran Seminary, a high school in Saginaw, Michigan, where she was a talented twirler and head majorette. From an early age, Deanna wanted to be a nurse. She made that dream come true by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing from Delta College, even while also being a devoted mother to four young children. She diligently continued her education and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science from her beloved University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Throughout her life, she passionately supported the school and its programs and athletic teams. (Go Blue!) Deanna worked in nursing and management at Michigan Medicine (UM Hospital system) for 30 years, retiring on 11/12/13. She was a tireless advocate for her nursing teams and was greatly admired by those who worked with her and for her.

Deanna married her high school sweetheart, James Beyer, on Dec. 30, 1961. The marriage ended in divorce in 1978 but was blessed with four children: Christine Beyer Perez, sons Jordan and Jon; Caroline McLemore, spouse Craig, daughter Shannon; Marty Beyer, spouse Lacie Sims, daughters Hilary and Leah, and stepdaughter Delainie Sims; and Bruce Beyer, spouse Christie Beyer, daughter Kaili, and son Carson. Deanna was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother Janice Redick, brother Terry Redick, and sister Joyce Alge. She is survived by her loving sister, Paulette Hartman (Dan).

Deanna packed a lot of living into her 76 years. Her many interests ranged from cooking and painting (oil on canvas) to travel, music, and cultural performances of all kinds. She decided to take up running when she was in her 50s and ran her first full marathon when she was 57 years old. Deanna completed 17 marathons in all—including seven at international destinations—and 27 half-marathons in 25 states. She diligently trained for and completed a 10k in June 2019, after nearly a year of cancer treatment, and proudly came in second place in her age group. Deanna's love for running was matched only by her love of gardening. An Advanced Master Gardener, she created a paradise from scratch in her back yard. It has been described by many who have seen it as "heaven on earth." More than anything, though, Deanna loved her family, and made it a priority to travel to those who lived distantly. She developed incredibly close relationships with her children and grandchildren and had a gift for helping each of them realize how individually special they are. Deanna was a close friend to many and an inspiration to all who knew her. She faced her battle with cancer and other challenges with determination, grit, and grace—built on the strong foundation of a deep, lifelong faith. As per Deanna's wishes, her body has been donated for scientific study to Michigan Medicine.

A memorial service will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 4205 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan, at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2019, with a reception to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to St. Luke Lutheran Church, the Pancreatic Cancer Program at Michigan Medicine, or the University of Michigan School of Nursing.