Deanna S. Mann

April 10, 1954 – April 03, 2025

Deanna was born in Whittier, California on April 10, 1954, to Thomas and Doris Walker. She spent her early childhood in Montebello CA, and then her family moved to neighboring Hacienda Heights. She enjoyed camping, hiking, and backpacking with her family which included a couple of 40-mile treks through the high country of the Sierra Nevada mountains. She later became an ice-axe safety demonstrator with the Sierra Club for Basic Mountaineering Training Courses, showing how one could self-arrest in any falling position in case of a slip on the ice.

As she was finishing her RN education and enjoying several outdoor activities, Deanna met Richard Lynn Mann in 1975. They were married in 1976, moved to Sam’s Valley OR in 1977, where she continued her career working as an RN at Rogue Valley Memorial Hospital. Within a short time, hospital management offered to train her to work as a surgical nurse which had been her dream since she was a teenager. After working in surgery for many years, she advanced to the position of OR educator. She enjoyed training many aspiring nursing students, teaching them how to survive and function well in the demanding operating room environment. Deanna retired after 43 years of service, cherishing many fond memories of her work with the surgical crew.

While raising their two young children, Deanna and Rich purchased undeveloped property in Ashland where they made their home. Deanna was very active in her church, leading singing and teaching 4th through 6th grade Sunday School. She worked with young people in church productions of plays and a musical and provided co-leadership for music programs as well as support for church high school youth.

Following in her parent’s footsteps, the family enjoyed many outdoor activities which included camping and exploring the Sky Lakes Wilderness, the Marble Mountain Wilderness, and the High Sierras. Their many outings culminated in a backpacking trip in 2000 when the family embarked on a 42-mile, 7-day trek during which they successfully climbed Mt. Whitney from the western side.

Deanna took voice lessons, singing solos in her younger years and enjoyed playing guitar on worship teams and being in the choir. She later encouraged her family to form a band in order to share their music for church worship services.

During their nearly 50-year marriage, Deanna and Rich cultivated their land which became a beautiful homestead with a large organic garden and pasture for raising a few cattle each year. She enjoyed creating meals out of what was grown in their garden, and freely shared produce with friends and neighbors.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; her daughter Trisha and son Matthew; her two sisters: Robin Velasco (David) and Tammy Rozman (Pat).

A memorial service for Deanna will be held at Medford Friends Church on June 28 at 10:00 AM. 525 De Barr Ave at corner of Table Rock Rd and De Barr – left turn at signal.