Joan Allison Dean

October 19, 1948 ~ September 13, 2026

Joan A. Dean, 77, Ree Heights, SD, died on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Ree Heights.

Following cremation, Joan’s remains will be laid to rest at Bellevue Cemetery in her hometown of Bellevue, OH. Her family will also gather for a Celebration of Life — a fitting tribute to a woman whose own life was filled with faith, laughter, love, dancing, and a deep desire to help others.

Joan Allison Dean was born on October 19, 1948, in Bellevue, OH, to Marlin Otis and Lorraine Vera (Craven) Dean. Joan lived a life filled with faith, laughter, love, and generosity. She grew up alongside her siblings Charles, Bobby, Terry, and Marlene.

Joan was a devoted mother to Amy, Allison, Matthew, and Emily Saas. To her children, she was not only a mother, but also a best friend, a guide, and a constant source of strength. Her love, example, and influence helped shape the people they became. Her family continued to grow through the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she loved so dearly.

Those who knew Joan will always remember her unmistakable laugh — that distinct little cackle that could fill a room and make everyone around her laugh right along with her. Her joy was contagious, and that laugh will remain one of the sweetest memories her family carries with them.

Helping others was simply part of Joan’s nature. Whether it was family, a friend, or someone who needed a helping hand, she was the kind of person who would give everything she had if she believed it would help someone she loved. She gave freely, loved deeply, and so often put the needs of others before her own.

Although her absence leaves an emptiness that can never truly be filled, the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the sound of that unforgettable laugh will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Amy Saas who is married to Richard Hastie and mother of Kiarra Hastie, daughter, Allison Bullion who is married to Jeremy Bullion and the mother of Hailey Cain, who is married to Tanner Lee Cain, and Austin Ehlers, son, Matthew Saas who is married to Becky Saas and are the parents of Shane Saas, Joey Saas, and Cody Saas, who is married to Lauren Wheeler Saas. Joan was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Marcy and Hayes, children of Hailey and Tanner, and there is Zayn who literally lived with Joan most of his life.

Joan is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Emily Saas; her parents; and her sister Marlene.

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