May 27, 1966 – January 31, 2023
Danette Renee Deardorf, 56, passed away on January 31, 2023, after a brief illness. Danette was born on May 27, 1966, in Tucson, Ariz., to Eldon and Joan Deardorf. Danette was the youngest of five children, all daughters.
Although challenged with Down syndrome, her family never let that limit her potential. While it is true she was a special needs daughter, she was not treated differently than her sisters. She attended school, participated in sports, had a rich social life with many friends, and was very popular.
From Tucson, she moved to Dayton, Ohio, with her family in 1972. In 1984, Danette moved with Joan and Eldon to Indiana. She attended Bona Vista in Kokomo. She later moved to Noblesville with Joan and Eldon, and most recently, to Westfield with her sister Margaret.
The happiest period of her life was the decades she spent at Janus Developmental Services in Noblesville. She learned many valuable skills, made lasting friends, and gained an enduring sense of purpose. She was close to the talented, kind, and loving staff there.
Her specialty was painting, and she also contributed to many varied work projects, including working at the courthouse in Noblesville. She took part in many of the enrichment activities promoted by Janus, such as music, field trips, and art projects.
Her spirited and spunky personality brought joy, love, and laughter to all those who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
In addition to her mother, Joan, Danette is survived by her sisters, Joanne, Cathy, Margaret, and Andrea, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Eldon.
Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., with Mass at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 9900 E. 191st St., Noblesville, IN 46060.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Danette’s most “happy place,” Janus Developmental Services, 1555 Westfield Road, Noblesville, IN 46062 (janus-inc.org).
Condolences: randallroberts.com