Leona Deering, 97, of Tawas City

Leona Emma Deering passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Tawas St Joseph Hospital at age 97. She was born to Frank and Emma (Badour) Hatcher on the Badour family farm in AuGres, Michigan March 10, 1927. Leona graduated from AuGres High School, at the of 16, where she was a star basketball player. She married Donald Deering December 6, 1947 at AuGres Methodist Church and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage before Don’s passing in 2013. Leona retired from Huron Community Bank in 1986 after 22 years. Previous to that she was employed as the bookkeeper for Iosco Arenac Regional Library for 7 years. Leona and Don loved to travel and had many exciting adventures! She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading and spending time with her family, especially her visits with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a long-time member of the Tawas United Methodist Church where she held several different positions on the church board and was a member of UMW and the Lunch Bunch. Leona was also a member of the 59ers Club and always looked forward to an afternoon with her close friends playing bingo. Leona is survived by two daughters, Bonnie (John) Lixey of East Tawas and Sharon (Phil) Lighthiser of Lansing. Her grandchildren Lisa (Jeff) Babe, Carrie Lixey and husband David Burkhart, BJ (Jamie) Kukuk, Amy Kukuk, great grandchildren Jett Kukuk, Justus Kukuk(Abby Pulito), Kase Mackie, Alexander Babe and Sophia Babe. Also she was known as Aunt Nonie to many special nieces and nephews. Leona was preceded in death by her husband Don, mother and father Emma and Frank Hatcher, sisters Lucille Beyer, Audrey Rogers and brother Jim Hatcher, brothers in law Paul Beyer, Charles Rogers and sister-in-law Bunny Hatcher and great grandson Dayton Kukuk. A celebration of life will take place Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Tawas Methodist Church. Visitation at 10:00, service at 11:00 followed by a luncheon immediately following at the church. In lieu flowers donations can be made in Leona’s honor to a charity of your choice. An online guest registry is available to leave a message of love and support for Leona’s family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.