DeAnn Eaton

We celebrate the life of our Mom, our Bama, and our biggest cheerleader and friend. DeAnn (Olmstead) Eaton was born on February 3, 1943, in Anthony, Kansas, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 28, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas. A proud graduate of Anthony High School and The University of Kansas, where she earned multiple degrees in the sciences, DeAnn was a third-generation Jayhawk who bled crimson and blue.

DeAnn's greatest achievement was her family; she always put them first and loved them with her kind, loving and enormous heart. She was our Mom, our Bama, our Aunt De, our DeAnn. She was renowned for her ability to love, her wisdom, her sharp wit, boundless kindness and intentional conversations. She had a knack for expressing her emotions freely, making her both an honest and relatable presence in the lives of her family and friends. She was the embodiment of strength and, a strong-willed, kick-ass woman who was loyal to the core.

She knew what she wanted and had a fantastic way of letting you know and getting your attention by looking at you or calling you and saying, “Hey, listen…” You never really knew what was going to follow that phrase, but she had your attention and since she always did so much for you and she loved you, you listened and paid attention to whatever followed that phrase. Sometimes, it was simply, “the next time you go to Dillons, can you get me some milk?” Other times it was a weather update warning us of impending doom

DeAnn cherished her family above all else and created treasured memories while traveling to various destinations with them, including her “death trips” or “farewell tours” to see her favorite places and/or visit with family and friends in Las Vegas, Miami, West Palm Beach, Houston, and Round Top, Texas, and the Anthony High School reunion this last summer. She found joy in simple pleasures, whether it was watching sports (particularly her Jayhawks, her Chiefs, and the Olympics), reading mystery novels, engaging in her gardening hobbies and volunteering her time and talents with her PEO sisters, Sister Cities, and other community organizations. Those who knew her can attest to her intentional conversations, fantastic baking skills, (particularly her chocolate chip cookies and apple pies), and her love for, and uncanny knowledge and abilities with DIY projects. She was also an avid supporter of her grandchildren, never missing a chance to brag about their lives and accomplishments to anyone who would listen.

DeAnn is survived by her daughters, Susan (Mark) Kiefer, Sally (Ward) Cook, and Julie Eaton; her son, Jeremy (Amber) Eaton; and her beloved grandchildren, Finley, Palmer, Bennett, Katie, Liam, Jack, and Jacob. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Lauri Hatfield and Carolyn (Don) Thorn; nieces, Jerri (Louis) Joseph and Tracy Hatfield, and nephews, Michael Hatfield and Phillip Hatfield, all of whom she loved dearly.

DeAnn excelled with the opportunity, privilege, and pleasure of loving, caring for, supporting and living 34 years with her exceptionally beautiful and wonderful daughter, Jennifer, who left her (and the rest of us) 20 years ago. We are tearfully warmed by the thoughts and images of their reunion in heaven.

DeAnn is also preceded in death by both of her parents; her brother, Rodney Olmstead; sister-in-law, Janet Olmstead; brother-in-law, Jim Hatfield; nephew, Chris Hatfield; and her husbands, Les Hatfield and Rodger Eaton.

DeAnn's influence as a loving mother, devoted grandmother (our “Bama), and steadfast friend leaves an indelible mark on all her family and friends. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire all of us.

A Celebration of Life with reception will be held on January 5, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Cozine Life Events Center in Wichita, Kansas.

So grab an Oreo, Butterfinger, chocolate chip cookie (or anything sweet), and raise a Diet Pepsi to and for our Bama! Forever loved and forever remembered. We love you!