In Loving Memory of Deanna Wasson: 1940-2022 

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Deanna J. Wasson, age 82, passed away Sept. 13, 2022, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Lacey, Washington. She was surrounded by love during her final days. Deanna was born Aug. 16, 1940, in Tacoma, Washington to Darrell and Lorraine Tunks. She grew up in La Grande, Washington with her twin sister, Donna, and younger sister Carol. 

Graduating with honors from Eatonville High School, Deanna was awarded a music scholarship and attended the University of Puget Sound. In 1962, she earned her teaching certificate from Central Washington University and began her career as an elementary teacher soon after. Deanna taught first grade and truly loved watching her young students learn and grow. 

In the fall of 1961, Deanna married Henry Gary Wasson. The young couple settled in Adna, Washington, after securing teaching jobs with the Adna School District. They loved the area and decided to stay and raise their two children, Lynn and David. The couple were married for over 60 years. On Sept. 22, 2022, they would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. 

Deanna was an extraordinary woman. Her talents as a pianist, artist and seamstress were often requested. She loved gardening, canning, and baking, and was famous for her apple cookie bars. After retirement, the foursome (Deanna, Gary, Donna and Ed) traveled extensively. Their travels took them to every continent except Antarctica, 46 countries and all 50 states. 

With a passion for life, Deanna’s passing is mourned by friends and family around the globe. She is survived by her husband Henry Gary Wasson; daughter and husband Lynn and Mike Panther; son and wife David and Karla Wasson; six grandchildren Jacob Buttrey, Lindsey James, Jessica Mohoric, Jessica Pendleton, Lane Wasson and Madelynn Panther; and eight great-grandchildren; sister and husband Donna and Edwin Lilloren; sister Carol Damron; brother and wife Dayton and Jo Ann Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Adna Scholarship Fund, which can be reached at adnascholarshipfoundationpres@gmail.com. 

A private graveside service will be held at the Wasson Pleasant Hill Cemetery followed by a celebration of life ceremony at 1 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2022, at Adna High School, 121 Adna School Road, Adna, Washington.

To view the obituary, please go to chronline.com/obituaries