Bernice E. Deaton, 96, of De Soto died Jan. 20, 2023, at Hillcrest Care Center. Ms. Deaton was an active member of First Baptist Church in De Soto. She enjoyed playing bridge and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Born July 10, 1926, in Poplar Bluff, she was the daughter of the late Ada Belle (Kearby) and Victor Rice. She was preceded in death by her husband: Lester Deaton.
She is survived by two sons: Larry (Frances) Deaton of De Soto and Don (Liz) Deaton of Ballwin; six grandchildren: Matt (Shelly) Deaton, Mike (Dawn) Deaton, Molly (Brent) Hanlin, Becky (C.T.) Jones, Will (Monica) Deaton and Katie (John) Falk; and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two sisters: Beatrice Rice and Betty Lockamy; and five brothers: Harold Rice, Earl Rice, Carl Rice, Calvin Rice and Theodore Rice.
Visitation is scheduled from 11 a.m. until a funeral service at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30 at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto, officiated by pastors Brad DeLaughter and Gene Smith. Burial is in the Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 9370 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, 63132. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.