Deanna Searles

All who knew Deanna Searles would agree that she had a zest for life that made being around her so much fun. She had an adventurous spirit and a resilient strength that allowed her to take in so many of the best things that life has to offer. With the love of her life by her side for more than 25 years, Deanna considered it pure joy to care for the family she viewed as a priceless gift. An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoyed both the peace and stillness of the river and the resounding fury of whitewater rafting - a true picture of the extraordinarily diverse woman who was so dearly loved by many. Life will never be the same without Deanna here, but she will remain forever in our hearts.

The sixties were a turbulent time in our nation’s history as we witnessed the passion associated with both civil rights and women’s rights while our nation remained divided over our involvement in the Vietnam War. This was the decade that introduced us to Barbie and G.I. Joe while we cheered as Alan Shepard became the first man in space in 1961. It was amidst this colorful time that a young family from Parchment, Michigan, was eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on March 29, 1965, when baby Deanna was born at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was the third of four children born to her parents, Russ and June (Soderquist) Predum, and was joined in her family by her older siblings, Donna and Matt, and her younger sister, Dawn. Her father worked for the James River Brown Company while her mother worked at Beverly Manor and tended to the needs of her family. Deanna was raised in the family home in Parchment until her family moved to Plainwell when she was in third grade.

Once in Plainwell, Deanna fit right in to her new surroundings. She attended local schools where she played both basketball and softball, and she was also active in the local 4-H program both riding and showing horses. Even from a young age Deanna had an adventurous spirit as she loved downhill skiing, but she was less than thrilled when she dislocated a shoulder while teaching her youngest daughter Amber how to ski. Truth be told, she was always a bit accident prone as it’s not just anyone who can put a nail through their hand. She nurtured her sensitive side early in life, too, as she always had several pets at one time whether dogs, cats, horses, cows, or birds just to name a few.

Throughout her life Deanna enjoyed her work with CMC Contracting. She was devoted to her work and willing to work hard. Deanna’s hard work didn’t go unnoticed either as she worked as a builder, but also became a superintendent. Being a builder was a good fit for Deanna as she was not only great at it, but she loved what she did, too.

Life was forever changed for Deanna when her brother, Matt, introduced her to the man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Steve Searles and he was a co-worker of her brother’s. From that first introduction in a bar blossomed 25 years of love as Deanna and Steve were true soul mates. Deanna embraced his daughter, Angie, as Steve embraced her daughter Jennifer and together they were blessed with two children of their own, Steven Jr., and Amber. In recent years Deanna and Steve were also raising their nephew, Donny, of whom they were granted guardianship. Nothing could have made Deanna happier than becoming a grandmother to seven wonderful grandchildren.

There were so many things Deanna truly loved during her time with us. First and foremost in her life was always the time she spent with her family. The memories they made together at Disney World and Cedar Point are priceless and will never be forgotten. Deanna loved being outdoors and the more adventurous the activity the better as far as she was concerned. She could often be found white water rafting, kayaking, riding motorcycles, or camping. At times Deanna loved taking in the peace and splendor of the great outdoors, too, as camping, gardening, and birdwatching were also among her favorite activities. In fact, it didn’t matter what the activity was as long as it was outdoors Deanna was always more than willing to go along.

Recently Deanna and Steve returned from a memorable bike trip celebrating 25 years of being together. They rode to the mountains in Tennessee and went white water rafting there also.

When reflecting on the life of Deanna Searles we are reminded of the many things that made her so easy to love. She had a sparkling personality that radiated to others around her, and she was outgoing and friendly as well. Deanna had the biggest heart and took her role as a nurturer seriously and in so doing, shaped the future for the generations who follow her in a positive way. Taken from her friends and loved ones much too soon, Deanna will be deeply missed.

Deanna Searles of Plainwell died on August 21, 2011. Deanna’s family includes her husband, Steve; her children, Angie, Jennifer, Steven Jr., Amber and Donny; sisters, Donna (Chuck) Valkner and Dawn Predum; brother, Matt McNutt; nieces and nephews, Kristen (Mike) Herlein, Keith Valkner, Crayton Valkner, Caleb Valkner, and Shane McNutt; seven grandchildren; and many aunts and uncles. Visit with her family and friends, view her life story film and share light refreshments on Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (344-5600) where friends are encouraged to come and share their memories at a funeral will be held on SATURDAY at 11:00. Please visit Deanna’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.