Miralee Mary (Gaunt) Dean passed away in Sacramento, CA, on February 22, 2021. She was born to Audry “Ace” & Jessie (Mewes Rich Dikeman) Gaunt in December 1957. She was welcomed home in Phillipsburg, KS by three step siblings, George, Gerry & Georgia Mae & her sister Jean (Gaunt) Hawkins. In 1973 she moved with her parents to Cheyenne, WY where she graduated from East High School in 1976.
Mira was a devoted mother to Joshua Dean & daughter-in-law, Lehia. She looked forward to spending the rest of her life with fiancé, Treneater-Nur C Horton
For the past several years, Mira had health problems including Pulmonary Hypertension. She was adamant about losing weight so she could be a candidate for a lung transplant.
She religiously rode her Echelon bike. She lost over 125 pounds by riding several times & miles a day. The riding community admired her so much that she was given the name “Mama Echelon”.
Other health problems did not allow her to be a candidate for a new lung, but they did not defeat her.
She never complained & insisted on a “I’ll do it“ attitude.
She is remembered for her generous spirit throughout her life; always eager to lend a hand to others. In grade school, at Phillipsburg, she would buy friends treats at Lumpkins until Mr Lumpkin called her folks who put a stop to that! Another memory from school friends included slumber parties & watching Twilight Zone.
She loved decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas. For years, she & her sister’s families would have themed Christmas parties each year such as Super Heros & Movie Characters.
She had a contagious laugh that made her fun to be around. Her sister, Jean & she laughed & laughed when they got together. Their favorite story to laugh to was when Jean hosted a wedding watch party for Rhoda. Jean had set up chairs & flowers, & guests were Mira & their mom. They would roar with laughter for years each time they talked about Jean asking if they were friends of the bride or groom!
Mira & Jean enjoyed a few trips together including San Diego, Disneyland, Legoland, CA, & to Oregon to visit their brother.
Her son & his wife were the absolute joy of her life. When Josh played sports in school & as an adult, attending his games was the highlight of her week. She took pride in being a sports mom and became like a mother to many of Josh’s team mates.
She was happy that Josh & Lehia found jobs in California that are satisfying & in which they are successful.
She left behind her son, Josh, & daughter in law Lehia, fiancé Treneater, sister Jean & her two half brothers George & Gerry and several nephews & nieces, and her adored Chihuahua, Diva. She was preceded in death by half sister Georgia, her parents, and Josh’s father, McKinley.
Cards & memorial gifts can be sent to Josh Dean, 612 Orange Grove Way, Folsom, CA. 95630
Please add any pictures, videos or poems on the "stories" tab. The family would love to view anything you're wanting to post. Tributes may be added below.