Deena B. Peters, age 80 of Chappell, NE passed away in North Platte, NE surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.   Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Chappell Methodist Church in Chappell, NE with Pastor Riann Nels officiating.  Cremation has been held.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.  Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website. 

  In lieu of flower memorials can be made in Deena’s memory to Sudman-Newmann Heritage House in Chappell or Chappell Ambulance Service, POB 487, Chappell, NE 69129.

            You may view Deena’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.  Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Deena’s care and funeral arrangements.

     Deena Barbara Shepard was born on March 15, 1943 in Lewellen, NE to Clyde and Lois (McLey) Shepard. She attended school in Chappell, NE and graduated from Deuel County High School in 1961. After graduation, Deena attended cosmetology school in Lincoln, NE, graduating in 1962.  Upon graduation she returned to Chappell and worked at a local beauty salon until she was united in marriage to her high school love, Jay Peters, on July 14, 1963.

      After being united in marriage, Jay and Deena moved to Sidney, NE where she continued her love for cosmetology at Helen’s Beauty Salon. In 1966, Jay enlisted in the United States Navy causing them to relocate to Long Beach, CA. While living in California, Deena worked at a local dress shop. During this time, they were blessed with their first child, Nick, in 1967.  While Jay was overseas, in 1968 Deena moved back to Chappell where she learned that she was expecting their second child, Shane. After the arrival of Shane, Deena and the two boys reunited with Jay in California where they continued to live until Jay was honorably discharged in 1969. At this time, they returned to Nebraska and made their home in Sidney. Deena continued to work for a local beauty salon. They later welcomed their daughter, Jennifer, in 1975. Soon after the family moved to Chappell where Jay and Deena continued to reside.

     In 1975, she opened Deena’s Beauty Salon in Chappell. She enjoyed sharing her talents with so many in the Chappell community.  In 1985 Deena returned to school to complete her instructor's license in Cosmetology. Upon completion of her schooling, she was a cosmetology instructor for WNCC for many years. She retired from this position in 2005. Through the years Deena worked various jobs including IGA grocery store, teacher’s aide for Chappell Public Schools and preschool aid for Creek Valley Preschool. However, all who knew and loved Deena knew that her heart was with her family.

     Throughout the years Deena enjoyed many things. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and belonged to the Newcomers Club. She also served on the Heritage House board. She enjoyed bowling and participated in many bowling leagues and later, after the arrival of her grandchildren, she volunteered her time in the summer to help with youth bowling.  

     Deena’s favorite way to spend her time was with family. She was always ready for a late night of game playing or a family dinner. Deena, Jay and their children enjoyed countless weekend camping trips to Lake McConaughy where many memories were made with family and friends. In 1997, with the arrival of their first of seven grandchildren Deena became an amazing and loving grandma! Christmas cookie decorating, crazy rounds of Peanuts, puzzles and so much more with her grandchildren consumed her life.

     Deena is survived by her husband, Jay, son Nick and wife Shawne of Rapid City, SD, son Shane and wife Amney of Chappell and daughter Jennifer Blochowitz and husband Kyle of Julesburg, CO,  grandchildren Noah and wife Payton, Gavin, Aleah, Brayden, Karsyn, Tess and Cayden; loving nieces and nephews.

     Deena was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Lois Shepard, brother Larry Shepard, sister Patricia Kinnie and great-niece Rylee Shelburne.