Deral Ann Beckley, age 79 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 at Elwood Health and Living following an extended illness.  She was born Jan. 1, 1945, the first baby of the year in Elwood, to Cleva I. (Hurst) Beckley.  Deral Ann was a 1963 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School.  She worked for many years as an account technician at Fort Benjamin Harrison and for the Madison County Treasurer's Office.  Deral Ann was a longtime member of East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood where she regularly attended and enjoyed fellowship with friends.  She enjoyed going out to dinner with friends and family, and she was an avid fan of Elvis Presley.  Deral Ann had a great sense of humor and a caring heart.  She truly loved animals, especially her cats, and would always take care of all the neighborhood cats.  Deral Ann will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.  Her family and friends would like to thank the nurses and staff at Elwood Health and Living for outstanding care and compassion provided to Deral Ann.

Deral Ann's family includes a brother, Larry Lee (wife Becky) Beckley of Lakeland, FL; special cousin and caregiver, Cheri Davies of Elwood; cousins, Sheila Hobson of Elwood and Tim (Keri) Davies of Peru; special friends, Russell Sumner, Debbie Satterfield, June Sowash, Linda Hussey, Sue Steathers, and Louann; several nieces and nephews; and many more friends.  Deral Ann was preceded in death by her mother; two brothers, Jay Keith Beckley and Teddy Beckley; 2 sisters, Reva Lois Cunnington and Vera Mae Etchison; a special cousin, Lucille Barnes; and cousin, Jack Marty Davies.

Deral Ann's wishes were to be cremated.  A graveside service and burial will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 at Elwood City Cemetery with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  She will be laid to rest on her mother's grave.  In honor of Deral Ann's love of animals, memorial contributions are suggested to the Elwood Animal Shelter through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.