Deanna L. Wentz

Deanna L. Wentz, 82, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the Greenbriar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Eaton, Ohio. Born on January 27, 1943 in Dayton, Ohio, she is the daughter of the late Forrest & Vivian (Layman) Swihart. Deanna was a 1961 graduate of Eaton High School and later, attended nursing school in Middletown, Ohio.

Deanna, Dee, or Dee-Dee, was a lifelong career nurse, dedicated to healing, supporting, and loving her patients for over 45 years. From emergency rooms to long-term care facilities, Deanna touched the lives of many individuals and their families and also cared for her own family members throughout the years. She served for many years as an LPN at the former Heartland Nursing Home of Eaton, and her nursing career spanned from California to Washington State to Ohio, where she has many beloved friends and memories.

Deanna’s greatest joy came from her faith and her family, and especially time spent with her grandchildren. She was devoted to her spirituality, her faith in God, and her church friends. She lived her life as an example of a Christ-like spirit - accepting everyone for who they were. She prayed and read her Bible daily, loved to sing hymns, and exemplified a Christ-like spirit. She also had a sense of humor that supported her through challenging times. 

One of her favorite songs was “Morning has Broken”; she had a love for nature, flowers, fairy gardens, and birds. She was an amazing cook whose famous chicken and dumplings fed many friends throughout the years. Her laughter and smile, her homemade dishes, and her compassionate and joyous spirit will be missed; however, she is in the place promised to faithful servants, and is resting with the God she loved.

Survived by her daughter & son-in-law, Heidi & Greg Easley of Eaton, Ohio; brother & sister-in-law, Dan & Bonnie Swihart; sister, Carolyn Bucher; grandchildren, Kate Bortel and John “Jack” Bortel III; step grandchildren, Katie Easley and Chris (Megan) Easley; nephews & nieces, Brandon & Jessica Swihart and their children, Noah & Caden, Chad & Jamie Swihart and their children, Jocelyn, Paisley and Carter, Tim Bucher, Alan & Natalie Bucher, their late son Jacob, daughter Stacy & Josh Smith and son Mason, and son D.J. Bucher and his wife Colleen Pokorny; several beloved cousins and friends. 

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 P.M on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Barnes Funeral Home, 220 East Main Street, Eaton, Ohio with Jenny Connelly and Geri Weiner officiating. The interment will be held in Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton, Ohio. Family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. prior to the service. Condolences may be sent via www.barnesfuneralhome.com