Barbara Jean Deaton, 93, of Beardstown died Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, at Heritage Health in Beardstown.
    She was born March 19, 1927, in Rockford, the daughter of Fredrick and Mary Agnes McManus Hedrick. She married Victor Eugene Deaton on June 29, 1947, in Rockford and he preceded her in death on Aug. 28, 2007.
    Barbara is survived by two daughters, Paula (Michael) Barnett of Beardstown and Donna Deaton of Mount Aukum, CA; three grandchildren, Laura Barnett of Beardstown, Jack (Michelle) Barnett of Hew Hope, MN and Cheryl (Abi Cowser-Barnett) Barnett of Carterville; three great-grandchildren, Philla Cowser, Pearl Barnett and Frankie Barnett; and several nieces and nephews.
    She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Lucille Brewer; and four brothers, Paul Downing, John Downing (surviving wife, Ruth of Newberg, OR), Robert Downing and Charles Hedrick.
    Mrs. Deaton was employed by Myers Brothers Department Store in Springfield in the cosmetology department, then worked as a customer service representative in the cable television industry in Florida before retiring. She was a member of First Congregational Church in Beardstown, Homemakers in Beardstown, and a local ladies quilt club, where they were involved in making quilts for veterans and children in hospitals. Barbara was a skilled seamstress and an avid quilt maker and reader.
    A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Beardstown City Cemetery. Due to the current pandemic, physical distancing is encouraged at the cemetery. Masks will be made available, if requested or needed. There will be no formal visitation.
    Memorials are suggested to Evergreen – Activity Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.sagerfuneralhome.com. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of the arrangements.