Deanna "Dee" Careen Rush, 59, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2020, in Fort Smith from a rare form of dementia, Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD).

Dee was born in Fort Smith on August 13, 1960 to Tommy Rush and Adgelene Rush Sommer. She graduated from Lavaca High School in 1978 and over the years, was employed as a bank teller, rural mail carrier, and in retail. She was blessed with two children, Aaron and Kerri, from her first marriage. Dee accepted the Catholic faith as an adult and raised her children in the church.

Her most cherished role in life was loving, devoted mother. Dee was a dependable volunteer for her children's many activities at Immaculate Conception School, Trinity Junior High and Northside High School. She was a faithful daughter, granddaughter and sister who consistently provided care for her family with kindness and love. Deanna was also a fun-loving aunt to her nine nieces and nephews.

Dee was an avid and talented gardener, a creative and skilled decorator and a successful event planner. She was actively involved in community service through Young Women's Community Guild, Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair Junior Livestock Auctions, and Carnall 4-H Club. She was a charter member of Lavaca Lions Club. Food-loving family and friends greatly miss her amazing deviled eggs, luscious chocolate gravy and comforting hot chocolate mix. Those who knew her well will always recall her love of driving with the music turned up and the windows down and, of course, her devotion to Dr. Pepper!

Dee will be forever remembered by her son Aaron McMahon of Fort Smith, and her daughter Kerri McMahon of Fayetteville, her mother Adgelene Sommer, and brother Shawn Rush, both of Lavaca. She is also survived by former husband David McMahon, Jr.  She was preceded in death by her father, Tommy Rush, and her dear cousin, Terry Balliew.

Her extended family and dear friends were integral to her life, and the compassionate care they gave over the extended period of her degenerative brain disease ensured that her important life connections were sustained, and her dignity was honored. Generosity of time and countless thoughtful efforts contributed greatly to the quality of her life and will never be forgotten.

A graveside memorial service honoring Dee's life officiated by Father John Antony will be held Saturday, March 7th, at 10:30 a.m at Oak Valley Cemetery on Highway 96 south of Lavaca. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop of Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, Dee's family asks that donations be made in her name to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). To donate, please visit www.theaftd.org

To pay an online tribute please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.