Tena G. Dean

     Tena Grace Dean, age 95 of Melvin, IA died Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn, IA.

     Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Ocheyedan, IA with Pastor Steve Swenson officiating. Private family burial will follow at the Ocheyedan Township Cemetery in Ocheyedan.

     Visitation will be Wednesday, May 22^nd with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home in Sibley, IA.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Melvin United Methodist Church and will be used for missions.

     Tena Grace Dean was born November 13, 1923 in Sheldon, IA the daughter of Ike and Gertie (Nagel) Boerema.  She was raised near Sheldon and attended country school.  When Tena was just a month old, she played the baby Jesus in her home church nativity scene.  Her relationship with the Lord and her church life would be special to her throughout her many years on this earth.  On November 30, 1944 she was united in marriage to Richard Dean.  The young couple moved to Richard’s farm near Melvin and spent their lives there. 

     Tena had many interests.  She surely enjoyed horses and mules.  By far her favorite was a mule named Carla.  She was involved with various horse clubs over the years.  She helped with her local 4-H, the Heifer Project and the Horseless Horse Club.  She wanted to share her love of horses with children who did not have a horse.  She truly loved farm and country life.  She also loved to garden and was a member of the Cloverdale Garden Club and was a Master Gardener.

     Tena attended Melvin United Methodist Church for many years.  Her church families were so important to her.  Throughout her life she was involved with church groups and missions.  P.E.T., Self-help, Food Bank United Methodist Women, and United Methodist Ingathering to name a few.  She could always be counted on to lend a hand.

     She is survived by her children, son, Ray (Barb) Dean of Weirsdale, FL, Dotti Stevens of Roanoke, VA and Dennis (Linda) Dean of Melvin; six grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Grace Barnes; nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

     Tena was preceded in death by her parents; husband Richard; daughter, Ruth; brother, John Boerema.