Deutsch, Barbara Viley 1926-2016

DEUTSCH, UTTER, PEARSON, PRENDERGAST, GROSS, VIDAL, EMMERT, STREID

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 11/14/2016 at 19:10:50

Barbara V. Deutsch

Barbara Viley Deutsch, 90, of Dixon died Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, after receiving loving care at Serenity Hospice Home in Oregon.

Barbara was born Feb. 7, 1926, in Mondombe, Congo, Africa, and lived there until the age of 8. Daughter of medical missionaries Dr. Ernest and Evelyn (Utter) Pearson, she lived the values of her parents to serve others. She graduated from Denison University and completed her master’s degree in social work at the University of Illinois. She devoted most of her life to helping others, and worked as a social worker in Lee County school system for 25 years, prior to her retirement.

Barbara cared deeply about the children and teens she worked with, and was a patient listener and advocate. She also was an active member of her community, whether serving her church (First Christian Church, Dixon), Habitat for Humanity, participating in parent groups at Kreider Services, or working for peace and civil rights.

Barbara was an avid reader and attended two book clubs in her later years. On her way to hospice, she made sure she had a book. Barbara passed on her love of family, nature, learning, and a deep commitment to caring for others to her children and grandchildren for which they are eternally grateful.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, William Deutsch of Harmon; three daughters, Julie (Tom Prendergast) Deutsch of Dixon, Nancy (Richard Gross) Deutsch of San Francisco, Cathleen Deutsch of Dixon; one son, Timothy (Jeanne) Deutsch of Newton, Iowa; grandchildren, Timothy Prendergast (Carolina Vidal), Bridget Prendergast, Zack Deutsch-Gross, John Deutsch, Anne Deutsch, and Mark Deutsch; and great-grandchildren, Tomas Prendergast and Santiago Prendergast.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Mary Emmert and Patricia Streid; and one brother, Dr. Paul Pearson.

The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 19, 2016, at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Dixon, with the Rev. Lynn Bond officiating. Burial of cremains will be at a later date at Newton Union Cemetery in Newton, Iowa. There will be a reception immediately following the memorial service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Global Ministries, First Christian Church, or Strong Kids program (Dixon Family YMCA).

Arrangements are being completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon. Visit website to send condolences. ~ The Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon, IL 24 Oct 2016.