Deena Ann Wright, age 76 of Farmington Hills, MI, passed away on March 9, 2026 at her home. She was born on November 1, 1949 in Ottumwa, IA to Ralph and Helen (Switzer) Hird. She attended the Willard Street United Methodist Church while growing up in Ottumwa.
A 1967 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Deena earned a degree from Indian Hills Community College. She worked as a typesetter for the Ottumwa Courier and typeset and proofread books in Cedar Rapids. Her work was recognized for its speed and accuracy.
Deena first met her future husband, Stephen Frank Wright, in eighth grade. The two were married on June 21, 1975 after reconnecting in their twenties. She was the beloved wife of Stephen for 50 years. She was also the devoted and much-loved mother of two daughters, Elizabeth Grace Wright and Sarah Christine (Jeffrey Julson) Wright.
Deena thought of others before herself, always making sure that her family had the best of everything. She actively practiced small kindnesses, such as sharing happiness with others by sending them fun or interesting newspaper clippings. A homemaker during marriage, she made sure everything about the house ran efficiently. She was hyper-organized, with clearly labeled folders or binders for all important matters. She was a home design enthusiast and loved classic, elegant clothing fashions. She had a keen interest in trees, including researching different species and new plantings. She also loved genealogy and spent much time assembling extensive family records.
Deena is survived by her husband, daughters, son-in-law, and dear sister, Lucretia Smith. She is also survived by her nephew Ryan (Kelly Boesenberg-Smith) Smith and their children, Owen and Audrey Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucretia’s husband, Jay Smith, and her grand-nephew Eli Smith.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 21st at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Travis Decker officiating. Family will be present one hour prior to the service to greet friends. Burial will be in Glasgow Cemetery.
To honor Deena with a memorial donation, please consider Trees Forever of Marion, IA.
