Iris Dean

The world became a little brighter on the day Iris Dean, 71, arrived, and on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, it dimmed just slightly as she peacefully took her leave - though knowing her, she probably did it with impeccable timing and a touch of flair.

Iris was born January 18, 1955, in Lafayette, IN, to the late Richard and Lucy (Flack) Batta. Employed at Purdue University's Printing & Copying Services department, she lived her life with a rare combination of kindness, grit, and a sense of humor that could disarm even the grumpiest stranger in the grocery store. She had a gift for making people feel seen, loved, and occasionally well-fed against their will.

On May 30, 1976, Iris married the love of her life, Gregory Dean in West Lafayette, IN. They were married for 45 years before his passing on February 5, 2022. She was an active member of Connection Point Church in West Lafayette, a member of DAR and the Meriwether Society.

Iris approached life the way she approached everything: wholeheartedly. Whether she was offering sage advice, cheering on her family, or insisting she didn't need help carrying all the groceries in one trip, she did it with determination and heart. She enjoyed reading, gardening, painting and sewing.

Her family was her proudest accomplishment. She leaves behind children and grandchildren who adored her, friends who became family, and a legacy of love that will echo for generations. She also leaves behind a collection of recipes no one can quite replicate. Surviving are her children: two sons: Geoffrey (Christine) Dean of Virginia, Jason (Kathleen) Dean of New Jersey; one daughter, Kristine Dean of California; sister, Kay Batta of West Lafayette; five sisters-in-law, Rebecca (Gary) Schnepp of Lansing, MI, Loni (Randy) LaGuire of Lafayette, Melissa (Brent) Greek of Orient, OH, Marcia Southerland of Miamisburg, OH, Valerie (Wes) Coffey of League City, TX; and three grandchildren, Gabriel, Gerrie, and

Nora.

While we will miss her deeply, we celebrate the joy she brought into every room, the strength she showed in every challenge, and the humor she sprinkled generously over life's ups and downs. She taught us to love fiercely, laugh often, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed eye roll.

In honor of Iris Dean, we invite you to remember her not with sadness, but with a smile - preferably the kind she gave when she knew she was right (which, to be fair, was most of the time).

Her story continues in all of us who were lucky enough to be part of her world.

Along with her husband, Gregory, she is preceded in death by her parents and nephew, Zachary LaGuire.

Memorial service will be held at Connection Point Church in West Lafayette on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Service will begin at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Woodhaven Rescue Farm – 6310 S 900 E Lafayette, IN, 47905, a cause close to her heart and a perfect reflection of her lifelong love for animals and her generous spirit.

Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com.