Richdean Elouise McElhaney

Richdean Kennedy McElhaney, lovingly known as Deanie, passed away peacefully at her Shawnee, Oklahoma home on Sunday, February 18, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents Bill and Opal Kennedy, sister June Elliott, cherished sons Billie McElhaney and Larry McElhaney, firstborn grand nephew Matthew Heinen, and her beloved husband of 67 years, Bill McElhaney. 

She leaves behind nieces Janet Heinen and Vicki Langenstein, Mark Heinen and Larry Langenstein. She is also survived by grand nephews, Cody Brasher, Kyle Brasher, Drew Heinen, and Chad Heinen as well as great-grand nephews, Tucker Brasher, Ace Brasher, Gaines Brasher, and great-grand niece, Elliott (Elly) Brasher. In addition, she leaves behind her dear friends who took care of her in the last decade, Trish and Glenn Hobbs, Tammy and Johnny Simmons, and Cathy and Gary Crosby. 

Deanie was born in Ada, Oklahoma on April 30, 1927. She attended Byng High School and after graduation in 1946, married her high school sweetheart Bill McElhaney. She was a longtime resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma where she was a devout member of Liberty Baptist Church. Mrs. McElhaney retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 1976. Deanie loved corresponding with family and friends through letters and selecting greeting cards that always fit the person perfectly. With her outgoing personality and caring nature, she visited persons in the hospital and nursing home until she became housebound. She was a remarkable “DeeDee” to her five grand nephews throughout their lives. Their relationships with her were so impactful that they continued calling and visiting once they were grown. Each grand nephew had a special bond with DeeDee and she made each feel as if he was her favorite. Deanie McElhaney was truly a beautiful lady, inside and out, who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

The memorial service will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 1:00pm at Liberty Baptist Church, 711 East Federal Street, Shawnee, Oklahoma. Following the church service, the interment will be at Rosedale Cemetery in Ada, Oklahoma. Arrangements were entrusted to Walker Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawnee, Oklahoma.