DeAnn Youells, age 67, passed away peacefully with family by her side Thursday, June 17 at Meritcare Hospital , Fargo , North Dakota .

DeAnn Claire Youells (Ahartz) was born July 5, 1942 to George and Dorothy (Olson) Ahartz in Milbank , South Dakota . DeAnn grew up in Revillo , South Dakota and graduated from Revillo High School in 1960. DeAnn attended Northern College in Aberdeen , South Dakota where she earned her Secondary Education Undergraduate Degree in 1963. After college DeAnn moved to Osakis , Minnesota where she taught high school English and Business for 4 years. On August 13, 1966 , DeAnn married Charles Youells in Revillo , South Dakota and they moved to Aberdeen , South Dakota where they resided for 5 years. DeAnn taught high school English and Business at Aberdeen Central High School . In March 1970, Charles and DeAnn moved to Aneta , North Dakota where they resided for 37 years. They had two daughters, Terry and Kelly. DeAnn taught high school English for 20 years at Aneta High School . In 1990, DeAnn joined Charles at Sheyenne Financial and worked until her retirement in July 2005. In November 2007, Charles and DeAnn moved to Horace , North Dakota to be near their two daughters and grandchildren, MeKenna and Kaden.

DeAnn was very active helping young people in the community through church activities and mentoring. She enjoyed playing cards every weekend with her husband and daughters, reading, doing puzzles and watching birds. Her favorite birds were the yellow finches that would flock to her bird feeders. DeAnn especially enjoyed spending time with her two grandchildren and spoiling them with many gifts.

DeAnn is survived by her husband, Charles Youells, two daughters Terry (Jeff) Heley and Kelly (Ken) Youells, and 2 grandchildren MeKenna and Kaden. DeAnn is also survived by two brothers: John (Norma) Ahartz, Seattle , Washington, Kenneth (Barb) Ahartz, Brookings , South Dakota and many nephews and nieces. DeAnn was preceded in death by her parents and many aunts and uncles.

Visitation for DeAnn will be Tuesday, June 22, 2010 from 4:00-7:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Cooperstown Funeral Chapel, Cooperstown , North Dakota . Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 10:00 am at Horace Lutheran Church , Horace , North Dakota . Interment will be at the Horace Lutheran Cemetery , Cass County , North Dakota . Arrangements with the Cooperstown Funeral Chapel of Cooperstown , North Dakota .