Deane Meek

Deane Hammond Meek of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Monday, April 1, 2019 at Butterfield Trail Village after a life of 91 years well lived. Deane was born to Ira Lester Hammond and Ruth McKee Hammond, in Elkins, Ark., March 6, 1928. She graduated with honors from Fayetteville High School and the University of Arkansas and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She married Richard Gene Meek whose work took them to St. Louis, Springfield, and Bridgeton, Mo.; two homes in Houston, Texas; and Dallas, Texas. Many great retirement years were spent in Columbia Lakes, Texas. Deane was truly a proper lady, composed and thoughtful. Not only was she gifted with a musical ear for playing the piano but also with a brilliant mind. After teaching herself to read at age 3, Deane continued a lifelong love of reading and researching. As an excellent seamstress she would even remake purchased clothing for her personal fit. Deane and Gene enjoyed all forms of travel from cross county family road trips, including nearly every U.S. national park, to worldwide travels across 88 different countries. Cooking and cleaning (often with a toothbrush), maintaining a lovely and gracious home decorated with travel mementos, and working on puzzles were favorite pastimes. She stood for conservative values and always served faithfully as a devoted Presbyterian Church member and selfless volunteer. Rather than kneeling in prayer, ever practical Deane advised, "Get up. Get busy." Deane is survived by her children: Scott and wife Julie Smith Meek of Chino Hills, California; Ann and husband Victor Recchi of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; grandchildren: Kevin Recchi of Dayton, Ohio; and Bryan Recchi and wife Ann with Emily (the very special great-grandchild) of the San Francisco area; Deane's sister and brother: Marjorie Niblock and Devon Hammond of Fayetteville, their respective families and numerous cousins. A memorial service and interment is reserved until the McKee Cousins Reunion on July 6. Family and friends may visit online to read a full obituary, sign the memory book, and extend condolences to the family at www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.