Anita Dean

Anita M. Dean (Messick), 82, of Zion, Illinois, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, August 1, 2026. 

A lifelong resident of Zion, Anita was born on July 19, 1944 to Floyd and Lucy Messick. She was a 1962 graduate of Zion Benton Township High School. While in high school, Anita began working at Zion State Bank where she remained for the entirety of her 42 year career, holding a variety of positions through several ownership changes. She was united in marriage on May 29, 1965 to Billy Dean. Anita was a lifelong member of Christ Community Church where she enjoyed sharing her musical talents by playing the piano and singing in the choir. After she retired, Anita was an active member of the Red Hats Society. She also enjoyed many winters as a “snow bird” in Winter Haven, Florida, where she and Bill were residents of the Oakwood Estates community. Above all, Anita loved spending time with family and friends. 

Anita is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bill; son, Douglas Dean; stepdaughter, Vicky (Tim) Strickland; sister-in-law, Kathy Messick; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Lucy Messick; and her brother, Burton Messick. 

A celebration of life will be held at Christ Community Church in Zion on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 11:00am. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00am to 11:00am. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Memorial Park in Zion. 

Memorial donations to Camp Zion or Christ Community Church have been suggested.