Deana Stratton, age 84, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on May 9, 2026. She was born on September 27, 1941, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Luther L. Ward and Nellie Jane Ward.

She graduated from Washington Union High School in Fremont, California, in 1959. On May 21, 1960, she married the love of her life, Donald (Don) Stratton. During Don's service in the United States Navy, the couple traveled across the country together before eventually settling in Arkansas in 1969, where they built a wonderful life together. She and Don shared 59 years of marriage.

Her family was her greatest joy. She and Don loved making memories with their family through vacations and time spent at the lake. She especially enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners just to bring everyone together.

Her faith was an important part of her life. She was especially known for her quiet, sweet spirit and servant's heart. She loved serving the Lord alongside her church family at Bible Baptist Church, where she and Don faithfully attended since 1991.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Stratton, and her siblings, Connie "Ray" Ward, William "Bill" Ward, Shirlee Kerley, and Boyce "Glenn" Ward.

She is survived by her children, Darla (Mike) Duncan and Darrin Stratton; grandchildren, Matt (Ruthie) Duncan, Randi (Jeremy) Burkey, Blake Stratton, and Kyle Duncan; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

There will be a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Bible Baptist Church, 3301 N. 1st Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, with burial to follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, 1504 N. JP Wright Loop Road, Jacksonville, Arkansas.