Beverly Haroldean "Deanie" Eaton

BEVERLY "DEANIE" EATON

1944-2023

Beverly "Deanie" Eaton, 79, of Wichita, KS, passed away on August 26, 2023. She was born on April 2, 1944, in Pawnee, OK, to Rufus and Lena (Davis) Squirrel.

Deanie was of Pawnee and Shawnee heritage, and embraced her cultural roots. She was a passionate participant in stomp dances and was recognized as a celebrated shell shaker. She loved dancing at powwows, starting in a cloth dress and later as a Southern buckskin dancer, winning numerous dance competitions throughout her life.

In addition to her love for tribal customs, Deanie had a keen interest in billiards and spent countless hours playing on various leagues, often alongside her beloved husband, Eric Eaton. Traveling the United States, Alaska, and Hawaii, Deanie cherished the opportunity to explore new places and experiences. She was an avid reader and excelled at playing Scrabble, always ready for a challenging game.

Deanie's professional journey led her to become a Human Resources Specialist, working first at Sperry Aviation and later retiring from Honeywell. Her dedication and expertise in the field left a lasting impact.

Deanie is survived by her husband, Eric Eaton of Wichita, sons Rodrick Pocowatchit of Wichita and Guy Ray Pocowatchit of Pawhuska, OK; daughter Tracy Smith of Wichita; and daughter-in-law Jodie Revard of Pawhuska, OK. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren T.J. Williams, Darrius Smith, Shawnee Smith, Ashley Pocowatchit and Allie Botts, all from Wichita, as well as several great-grandchildren and numerous other aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rufus Squirrel; mother, Lena (Davis) Squirrel; grandparents, Robert and Jennie (Weeks) Davis; brothers Timothy Squirrel and Darrell Carpenter; and sisters Marcia Squirrel and Leanna Squirrel.

Deanie's educational journey included Chilocco Indian School, a cosmetology school and a business college, where she honed her skills and knowledge.

A prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Monday, August 28, 2023, and a funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 29, both at the Pawnee Nation Roundhouse , Agency Road., Pawnee, OK. Deanie will be laid to rest in North Indian Cemetery, Pawnee. The ceremony will conclude with a traditional Pawnee Mourner's Feast at the Pawnee Nation Roundhouse. A separate Celebration-of-Life memorial will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, at Indian Southern Baptist Church, 1550 E. Denker, Wichita, KS.

Deanie will forever be remembered for her vibrant spirit, love for her culture, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.